PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE KAM

KNOXVILLE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE

just filled out my umpteenth survey this month on a recent store purchase. We get asked everything these days from hotel stays, flights, to how our restaurant meal was. academia, this is the new research tool that is convenient, and low-cost. all have a feeling that we affecting a beneficial change we respond, and having voices heard. IS this really case?

The Knoxville Academy of Medicine (KAM) once again partnered with the TMA for the Doctor’s Day on the Hill event, held on March 7th, 2023. As an organization representing physicians in the Knoxville area, KAM physicians play a critical role in advocating for important healthcare policies that affect their patients and their community. KAM physicians use their expertise and firsthand experiences to educate lawmakers about the issues pitals and the government. Such ratings, and the folks who use the ratings, are not face to face with the patient. The surveys are not timely, and they are often used to decide remuneration. We feel powerless because many of the things that impact our patients, and their responses, are system-related and beyond our ability to change. facing Tennessee's healthcare system. Doctors often bring reallife examples of patients who have been impacted by the policies they are advocating for, and these stories can be powerful tools for persuading lawmakers to take action. Through events such as this, KAM physicians are able to make their voices heard and help shape the future of healthcare in Tennessee. We are truly grateful for all those that participated in this year’s event.

Everyone should read the Viewpoint in the December issue of JAMA about PaSatisfaction Instruments.

(JAMA 328(22): 2209-10). In it spells out the exact reasons such surare not only not efficacious in determining improving care but detrimental to physicians. Quoting Edward Demming himself – such rat“build fear, demolishes teamwork and nourishes rivalry and politics “(ibid). It’s not so much the asking patients for their opinions, but rather the way it is asked, and importantly, the way it is used by our hos-

We all agree communication is the key and could be improved by all practitioners. A former mayor of New York City, Ed Koch, was known for walking the streets and asking “How’m I doin’?” It was personal, actionable, and very much point of care. It encourages communication and conversation at the person level. For the sake of our patients, and for our sake, let’s not worry about the surveys, but rather how we’re seen in that moment by that patient. We need to act to make changes at the individual level and ask “How’m I doin’?