BY: SUSAN K. HUME
One of the most critical issues of the past decade promises to grow in importance as we shoot into the year 2000. How can and should Catholic healthcare organizations act when, out of economic necessity and a desire to better serve their communities, they form partnerships with other organizations, whether Catholic or non-Catholic? While by no means answering this question in its entirety, Health Progress addresses three key aspects:
- How can sponsors express their call to be God's healing presence in the world as they navigate the unfamiliar waters of partnership with other healthcare organizations? Sr. Maryanna Coyle, SC, advises them to consider multiple dimensions, with a stress on tradition and Church relationships.
- What criteria determine the Catholicity of Catholic healthcare organizations? Rev. Francis G. Morrisey, OMI, describes three approaches suggested by canon law.
- How can organizations determine the most appropriate structure for their healthcare ministry? Rev. Jordan Hite, TOR, outlines the characteristics of various structures and a process for decision making.
Obviously, these and a host of related issues are not going to go away. But we hope this section provides some guidance and even inspiration as ministry leaders struggle with these questions so vital to the ministry's future.
Pain Management
Pain management, like the weather, seems to be one of those problems that everyone discusses but fails to do much about. However, in many communities Catholic healthcare organizations are leading the way in tackling their patients' pain. A special Health Progress report describes more than 20 of the innovative approaches to pain adopted by CHA members across the nation. If you don't see your organization in the list, I'd encourage you to write or e-mail us with a description of your own activities related to pain management, and we'll publish additional examples in upcoming issues.