He Sees Our Future

Murray Howden helps us chart better care for patients with chronic illnesses

On an expedition

Murray Howden, 85, of Bethlehem doesn't consider his limited mobility a frustration but an "impediment." His positive attitude is just one reason he was asked to help shape the future of care for patients with chronic illnesses.

Murray Howden, 85, faces many challenges each day due to heart disease. He can no longer drive, is dependent on caregivers in a nursing home and easily tires when getting out of bed. “But I have found support to help deal with these impediments, so I can live as comfortably as possible,” says Howden of Bethlehem from his motorized scooter. “I want others to get the same care and support I have.”

He spoke to a group of about 150 LVHHN caregivers, patients and family members who gathered for three days to map out the future of care for patients with chronic illnesses. They used a nationally-recognized process called Future Search to develop goals for the next 10 years for patients whose needs stretch beyond the hospital. People with chronic illnesses are living longer because of advancements in treatments, and their needs are growing.

“Instead of bracing for what the future brings us, we prepare for it,” says Linda Durishin, an organizational development consultant educated in facilitating Future Search conferences. Participants listen as caregivers, patients and family members share personal stories about navigating the health care system. Together, they create giant, colorful diagrams to illustrate the past and present. And, through skits, artwork and even poetry, they describe their ideal futures.

“Hearing patients’ experiences increased my awareness of their needs and how we can help them,” says Donna Petruccelli, C.R.N.P., who cares for heart failure patients. “I feel empowered to have a voice in a plan that will open new doors for patients.”

In the end, we have a map for the future—a guide for developing programs and support systems. For instance, someday we hope to create a patient information system that will allow patients and their many caregivers to electronically access their health information for more accurate and faster care.

Another goal is educating caregivers and patients about support programs like Community Exchange, which helps Howden. The program connects people who have skills to share. In exchange for companionship and help with daily tasks like putting on his shoes, Howden maintains a database for the program. “It helps me because I found friends who can drive me to appointments,” he says. “I hope it will help others, too."

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