On the 4th of February, we were approached by the loving parents of Samuel John Frederick Platt, Melissa and Fred Platt. Samuel’s (Sam’s) parents are the founders of Footprints 4 Sam, a Charitable Trust whose mission is to “leave footprints in neonatal and pediatric wards countrywide, through the cultivation of a healthcare culture of swift and broad-based intervention, early diagnosis and real and achievable family-centred solutions, which promote excellence of life for both child and family” (Footprints4Sam, n.d). Part of the brief that was received, was to help build sustainable and tangible change in healthcare...one footprint at a time. In order to create a sustainable strategy, as iGugulethu, we decided that the focus of our strategy would be assisting healthcare professionals to establish relationships with their patients.
We Therefore created a strategy entitled:
The 40 Second Doctor
Due to demanding work-life (doctors working around thirty hours per shift), it is difficult for doctors to take a five-minute breather. Doctors therefore also do not get the chance to practice empathy well. This is why we have created the 40 Sec initiative. According to a study conducted by Dr Stephen Trzeciak, 40 seconds is all the time you need to establish a connection and make a meaningful difference in a patient's life. Neuroscience studies show that compassion/empathy for others triggers positive emotions in the brain that can block negative emotions. In short, compassion/empathy for others can have a direct positive effect on your own well-being.
The initiative provides doctors with the opportunity to establish a connection with patients which is going to be mutually beneficial in just 40 seconds. Not only will this be beneficial for both parties, but shall simultaneously assist the doctors with reducing their stress levels, making better medical decisions. Furthermore, it will help doctors proactively maintain a good level of emotional intelligence while still being able to have fun all at the same time.The 40 Sec initiative seeks to advance and advocate for the notion of dialogue between a doctor, patient and the family of a patient.
This strategy is now currently being critiqued and edited so as to be implemented within hospitals around Gauteng.
The iGugulethu team was also in charge of Footprints 4 Sam's social media on July 22nd for their annual Charity Dinner. It was through our efforts that #ittakesachild trended on Twitter that evening.