The families and friends who are a part of the life of the resident, client, or patient may not be seen, heard, or valued for the important role they assume in the health care continuum.  Nursing care staff - in the midst of negotiating change and delivering care in a faster-paced, more “techno-savvy” health care environment – can fail to see that the recipients of our care are more than just the resident. 

Missing Voices, a unique training resource for health care systems, is a thirty-minute film that documents stories of families affected by caregiver actions.  It highlights how seemingly innocent, yet insensitive, behaviors of doctors, nursing staff and other disciplines in the health care setting can have profound impact on the lives of families. According to one training coordinator after showing the DVD, "The staff found it moving ... a tough group to start ... and I saw tears in some eyes. A comment was made, 'It was hard to watch but we need to be reminded'. [It] stimulated discussion about some particular situations where staff observed some insensitivity and felt bad about it. Also staff did not run out of the room - they lingered and wanted to discuss the film. To me - an indication they were touched and moved. Good job on the video."

The accompanying teaching guide can help management and caregivers develop and implement a continuum of care that complements the role of the family as vital members of the care team.  The various exercises are designed to increase awareness and receptivity to becoming more caring individuals in the role of healthcare professionals.  The film and guide are designed to be used within a teaching setting for students in the medical, nursing and allied health professions; advocates; administrators; as well as for those staff presently engaged in service areas of care.

Order your copy of the Missing Voices training package:

Order Missing Voices online.

Download an order form.

For more information you are welcome to contact Mary Scharf: mscharf@kendaloutreach.org; 610-335-1280.

"Our entire staff attended the inservice including all departments. Everyone participated. It made the staff think about each of their roles in providing person centered care."