The Invisible Patients 2016
Distributed by Tugg, Inc., 855-321-8844
Produced by Patrick O’Connor
Directed by Patrick O’Connor
DVD, color, 88 min.
General Adult
Chronic Illness, Community Health Services, Compassion, Medicine and Health Sciences, Drug Use, Death, Family, Delivery of Health Care, Health Services, Nursing
Date Entered: 01/17/2017
Reviewed by James Gordon, University at Buffalo LibrariesNurse Practitioner Jessica Macleod, four of her patients and their caregivers allow us to eavesdrop on their health care in this moving documentary. Jessica’s practice is comprised of people who have fallen through the cracks of the US health care system. We follow Jessica as she visits patients having complicated and varied needs. Their stories are engrossing; sometimes inspirational, sometimes heart breaking. We get to know their caregivers. Jessica is a brilliant, empathetic practitioner.
The McCloud family allows us to share Jessica’s struggle with work-life balance. At one point Jessica is boxed-in and forced to make an agonizing decision whether to break a promise to her family or to her patient. A dying patient’s crises are dealt with poignantly and professionally. Jessica reveals on average she loses a patient each week and explains how she copes emotionally.
The movie’s message is that more caregivers are urgently needed. In-home caregiving is critical for the survival of many patients but is not widely available. Underserved patients are forced to rely on overcrowded emergency rooms and sometimes don’t receive medical care.
This movie is appropriate for anyone considering a career in nursing or medicine. You will feel like you’ve spent time with Jessica and understand the importance of in-home caregiving. Those interested in public policies relating to health care delivery will find this movie indispensable.
The movie’s website offers a screening tool kit, discussion guide, and explains how to obtain permission to screen the movie.