Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781774582961)

Sammy and Hsien have spent their careers helping those who are facing a life-changing illness. For years, they often heard patients and families say they felt unprepared and overwhelmed. Despite spending years on education, research, and advocacy, they continued to hear patients and families say "Why didn't anyone tell me that sooner?"

Ultimately they realized they needed to show patients and families how to become activated so they could have more choice and control about their care. Through interviews with experts, clinicians, patients and caregivers, they are harnessing the advice of those with lived experience to better prepare those who are just starting their health care journey.

But they cannot do it alone. They are building a community called the Waiting Room Revolution to improve the illness experience. Together with patients, families, and communities, they are transforming the patient journey and bringing the humanity back into health care.

Samantha Winemaker, MD, is a palliative care physician who cares for patients with serious illness and their families in the home. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University in the Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care. She has won numerous awards for her leadership and palliative care education for health care professionals.

Hsien Seow, PhD, is the Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Health System Innovation and an Associate Professor in the Department of Oncology, McMaster University. He publishes health care research focused on improving the patient and family experience for those facing serious illness. He is the co-author of The Tao of Innovation: 9 Questions Every Innovator Must Answer.