In the bustling, beeping labyrinth of intensive care units (ICUs), where life and death hang in a delicate balance, there exists empathy, compassion, and humanity known as the "3 Wishes Project." This remarkable initiative has been a source of solace and comfort for patients and their families, shining a bright light on intentional acts of kindness to provide compassionate care.
At its core, the 3 Wishes Project was developed to bring peace to a patient's final days and comfort families. It seeks to recognize the inherent dignity of patients, and honour their lives by initiating conversations to understand what is important and meaningful to them and their families. Over the years, many wishes have been elicited and implemented at the end of life such as, tasting favourite foods and beverages, saying farewell to a beloved pet, creating mementos, hosting birthday, anniversary and wedding ceremonies, or renewal of wedding vows at the bedside.
“The beauty of the project lies in its simplicity and its impact on patients and their families," says Dr. Deborah Cook, an ICU intensivist at St. Joe's and founder of the 3 Wishes Project. “By focusing on the patient's humanity and what would bring them comfort, the 3 Wishes Project transcends the boundaries of conventional medical care, reminding us that healthcare is not merely about curing the body but also about helping to heal the soul."
One of the most touching aspects of the 3 Wishes Project is its emphasis on personalizing the dying process and asking what matters most to the patient and family. The heartwarming stories that have emerged from its endeavors recognize patients as individuals with unique stories, hopes, and desires. In one instance, a patient was able to help plan and attend her daughters' wedding, quickly assembled with the help of staff and held in the hospital courtyard, on a beautiful sun filled afternoon. These stories are a testament to the power of compassion and the incredible impact these simple acts of kindness can make in creating lasting memories for patients, families and staff. This intentional approach to end of life care not only brings solace to patients and their families in their most vulnerable moments but also fosters a deeper sense of vocation for clinicians.
The project also has a notable ability to forge continued connections with medical professionals and patients' loved ones. It enables healthcare workers to connect with patients and their families on a deeply personal level, cultivating an environment of empathy and support. The hospital room is often seen as a sterile, intimidating place, but resources such as flameless candles, colorful knitted blankets, music and familiar comforting items from the patient's home transform this into a more soothing space where the essence of human connection thrives. It reminds everyone of our common humanity, the importance of compassion, and the power of giving.
The 3 Wishes Project originated in the St. Joe's ICU in 2013. Now celebrating its eleventh year, the 3 Wishes Project has spread beyond the walls of St. Joe's and continues to be implemented in many other hospitals and organizations throughout the world.
As we embrace the compassion promoted by the 3 Wishes Project, we are reminded that, when caring for patients and their families, intentional acts of kindness are as vital as any medical treatment. Multicenter research on the 3 Wishes Project has shown that the ICU is not just a place for life-saving technology but a place where personhood can be promoted throughout the dying process. Sometimes, the simplest gestures can have the most profound, long-lasting impact.