Similar to bustling transportation hubs, concert venues, and sporting arenas, the waiting rooms of large inner-city hospital emergency departments in the United States, and many other advanced industrialized countries, can be chaotic and challenging environments to navigate. More specifically, beyond their role as places of healing, these urban public spaces are environments where power dynamics and status roles are constantly negotiated and contested.
Description of the Situation
Stepping into a hospital emergency department waiting room reveals a scene of varied activity: security personnel and possibly police stationed at the entrance, receptionists and nurses managing intake, and patients (and the people who may accompany them) anxiously awaiting their turn for care. Signs, doors, and counters appear to be everywhere.
Although many staff members exhibit care and compassion, others, often because of burnout and physical and emotional fatigue from shift work, and overly demanding and sometimes rude patrons, and sometimes violence by actual and prospective patients, may appear jaded, overly bureaucratic or even hostile. Meanwhile patients may feel processed, and frequently encounter directives like “Please take your turn” and “Please sit down until your name is called,” amidst an atmosphere of impatience and tension.
Both emergency department workers and patients, along with their relatives or friends, may experience a range of emotions, finding the experience frustrating, challenging, and at times, unexpectedly interesting. However, the environment can also evoke feelings of depression and anxiety.
In short, emergency departments operate on the principle of triage, prioritizing those with life-threatening conditions while managing resources to address the needs of all patients. Influenced by economic constraints, this leads to a rationing of care. Patients arrive via emergency medical services, police transport, or as walk-ins, representing a diverse spectrum of demographics and health conditions. Among them are the poor, homeless, elderly, mentally ill, victims of street and domestic violence, and substance-dependent individuals, often with complex and urgent medical and psychiatric needs.
Significance of the Issue
In societies where access to healthcare is rationed, preventative care remains elusive for many urban dwellers, inner-city emergency departments serve as the last resort for those in need. The waiting rooms are often full with lower socioeconomic individuals who face barriers to accessing timely and adequate healthcare, exacerbating health disparities. The lack of access to primary care providers contributes to the overutilization of emergency services, particularly by marginalized populations, including the homeless. Class dynamics also come into play, with privileged individuals who visit the ER sometimes expecting preferential treatment based on their social status.
The ebb and flow of patients in emergency departments vary with the time of day and season, reflecting seasonal health trends, climatic conditions, and local demographics. People who show up in the emergency rooms sometimes may do so with open sores, poor hygiene, coughing and hacking. Within the waiting room, tensions simmer as individuals vie for attention, with intake nurses assuming the roles of mediators and gatekeepers.
Proposed Solutions
Addressing the challenges inherent in inner-city emergency department waiting rooms requires multifaceted strategies. These include, but are not limited to:
Enhanced Patient Experience: Introducing entertainment options such as TVs and magazines can alleviate boredom and reduce tension. Clear communication about wait times and procedures can manage expectations and reduce anxiety.
Support for Staff: Investing in training programs and support services can equip staff with the necessary skills to navigate challenging interactions and mitigate burnout.
Community Outreach: Educating the community about the appropriate use of emergency departments and promoting access to primary care can reduce reliance on emergency services for non-urgent needs.
Streamlined Processes: Optimizing triage and intake procedures can minimize wait times and ensure timely access to care for those with urgent medical needs.
Addressing Healthcare Inequities: Advocating for policies aimed at improving access to primary care and addressing social determinants of health is crucial to reducing disparities in emergency department utilization.
Collaborative Partnerships: Engaging with local government agencies and community organizations to develop holistic approaches to healthcare delivery can address underlying systemic issues contributing to frequent emergency department visits.
In conclusion, inner-city emergency department waiting rooms serve as microcosms of broader societal inequities in healthcare access. By one or more of these suggestions, we might be able to create more equitable and compassionate healthcare systems for all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status and reduce the kinds of challenges that are manifest in places like emergency rooms of inner city hospitals.
Photo Credit:
Photographer: Micheal
Title: Emergency Room
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/2622076978_d17419e328_o.jpg6831024Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-03-31 12:08:032024-09-22 12:16:52Inner city hospital emergency department waiting rooms as places of power and contestation
We live in a rapidly changing world, where we are increasingly exposed to both AI-generated content and human manipulated images/documents (i.e., photoshopping, deep fakes, airbrushed photos, etc.), as well as curated social media feeds and carefully crafted personal brands. Meanwhile individuals are constantly navigating this complex landscape in search of genuine experiences, spaces, and relationships. Ultimately this phenomenon has reinforced the tension between authenticity and curation.
These processes come at a cost, that typically involves a series of tradeoffs.
Consider an individual who may want to see wildlife in their natural habitat. What options are available to them? They could go on a hike or on a safari, hoping to catch a glimpse of these animals. However, because nature is unpredictable, there is no guarantee of such sightings. Conversely a person could visit a relatively large zoo, and see an abundance of different types of animals, meticulously presented for visitor enjoyment. But this kind of experience may leave patrons feeling as if they are missing out on an authentic experience.
This tension extends beyond wildlife encounters to various facets of life, from relationships, to clothing, to personal style, and to cuisine and cultural experiences. For instance, the experience of eating Japanese food differs significantly between indulging in it stateside versus savoring it in its country of origin.
But why does this tension matter? At its core, the struggle between authenticity and curation reflects deeper societal desires and values. It speaks to our longing for genuine connections, meaningful experiences, and a sense of belonging in an increasingly digital world. Moreover, it underscores the importance of understanding how our choices—whether to seek authenticity or embrace curation—affect our perceptions and interactions.
So, what insights can we glean from this exploration? First, it’s essential to acknowledge that the tension between authenticity and curation is multifaceted and nuanced, resource dependent, manifesting in diverse contexts and experiences. Second, recognizing the underlying motivations behind our preferences can assist us to make more informed decisions and navigate the tension between authenticity and curation with greater clarity and intentionality.
Ultimately, by understanding and perhaps engaging with this tension thoughtfully and critically, we can strive to strike a balance among our wants, needs and desires in our search for or acknowledgement of authenticity and curation. In doing so, we may be able to foster genuine connections, enriching experiences (and relationships) and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This journey does not offer any guarantees that we will be happier or more content, but if it gives us more clarity then perhaps it’s worth embarking upon.
Photo credit:
Photographer: Jack Delano
Title: A freak show at the Rutland Fair in Rutland, Vermont.
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-03-23-at-9.22.34 PM.png10521390Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-03-24 19:33:412024-09-15 12:10:02Navigating Authenticity and Curation in a Digital Age
From dirty, trash strewn, and smelly buses and subway cars, bus transportation hubs, and subway stations, through unreliable schedules, to rude, unhelpful, and surly bus drivers and subway booth attendants, if you are like lots of people, there are many things that bother you about public transportation systems.
However, amidst these complaints, graffiti and street art, on buses and subway cars, and in bus depots and subway stations has never bothered me.
In brief, in the late 1960s, contemporary graffiti, with its rich history intertwined with urban and street culture, started appearing in the subway stations of New York City. It then spread to the subway cars and tunnels. Due to a variety of factors, including transit police cracking down on this kind of activity, it eventually emerging outside above ground on the streets.
Despite its roots, mass transit systems frequently allocate significant resources towards graffiti and street art abatement efforts, funds that could be redirected towards more pressing needs such as infrastructure and modernization improvements; the quality of personnel; reliability; accessibility for individuals with disabilities; strategies to address capacity and crowding; not to mention cleanliness and safety.
Rather than abating graffiti (and street art) outright, why not engage with riders and seek their input through periodic surveys? Ask patrons if they appreciate graffiti and street art, and whether they have preferences for certain styles, and where they think it might best be placed. Although subway graffiti itself is a distinct genre, a wide spectrum of artistic expressions within this realm exist, each utilizing unique materials and techniques.
What has our 65 year experience dealing with graffiti and street art in public transportation systems taught us?
Our approach has been largely futile and financially draining. Instead of viewing graffiti and street art as a nuisance, we should recognize its potential as a tool for revitalizing mass transit systems.
There are several compelling reasons why mass transit systems should embrace graffiti and street art.
To begin with these systems often suffer from visual monotony, with bland and uninspiring aesthetics. Introducing graffiti and street art could inject vibrancy and creativity, perhaps sparking conversations among passengers and fostering a sense of community.
Moreover, if concerns arise regarding the placement of graffiti and street art, innovative solutions can be explored. Public transportation systems could designate specific areas for artistic expression, sponsor competitions to showcase talent, and provide materials to encourage engagement.
By embracing graffiti and street art in controlled environments, transit authorities can strike a balance between artistic freedom and maintenance concerns.
Finally, it’s time for public transportation systems to rethink their stance on graffiti and street art. Rather than viewing them as liabilities, let’s recognize their potential to enhance urban public spaces and enrich the commuting experience.
By embracing creativity and community engagement, transit authorities can transform bland transportation vehicles and hubs into dynamic cultural hubs.
Photo credit
Photographer: txmx 2
Subject Graffiti in Hamburg Subway
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-03-16-at-10.24.05 AM.png9802106Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-03-16 12:03:132024-05-18 14:02:27Public transportation systems need a more rational approach to graffiti and street art
Inner city hospital emergency department waiting rooms as places of power and contestation
/by Jeffrey Ian RossSimilar to bustling transportation hubs, concert venues, and sporting arenas, the waiting rooms of large inner-city hospital emergency departments in the United States, and many other advanced industrialized countries, can be chaotic and challenging environments to navigate. More specifically, beyond their role as places of healing, these urban public spaces are environments where power dynamics and status roles are constantly negotiated and contested.
Description of the Situation
Stepping into a hospital emergency department waiting room reveals a scene of varied activity: security personnel and possibly police stationed at the entrance, receptionists and nurses managing intake, and patients (and the people who may accompany them) anxiously awaiting their turn for care. Signs, doors, and counters appear to be everywhere.
Although many staff members exhibit care and compassion, others, often because of burnout and physical and emotional fatigue from shift work, and overly demanding and sometimes rude patrons, and sometimes violence by actual and prospective patients, may appear jaded, overly bureaucratic or even hostile. Meanwhile patients may feel processed, and frequently encounter directives like “Please take your turn” and “Please sit down until your name is called,” amidst an atmosphere of impatience and tension.
Both emergency department workers and patients, along with their relatives or friends, may experience a range of emotions, finding the experience frustrating, challenging, and at times, unexpectedly interesting. However, the environment can also evoke feelings of depression and anxiety.
In short, emergency departments operate on the principle of triage, prioritizing those with life-threatening conditions while managing resources to address the needs of all patients. Influenced by economic constraints, this leads to a rationing of care. Patients arrive via emergency medical services, police transport, or as walk-ins, representing a diverse spectrum of demographics and health conditions. Among them are the poor, homeless, elderly, mentally ill, victims of street and domestic violence, and substance-dependent individuals, often with complex and urgent medical and psychiatric needs.
Significance of the Issue
In societies where access to healthcare is rationed, preventative care remains elusive for many urban dwellers, inner-city emergency departments serve as the last resort for those in need. The waiting rooms are often full with lower socioeconomic individuals who face barriers to accessing timely and adequate healthcare, exacerbating health disparities. The lack of access to primary care providers contributes to the overutilization of emergency services, particularly by marginalized populations, including the homeless. Class dynamics also come into play, with privileged individuals who visit the ER sometimes expecting preferential treatment based on their social status.
The ebb and flow of patients in emergency departments vary with the time of day and season, reflecting seasonal health trends, climatic conditions, and local demographics. People who show up in the emergency rooms sometimes may do so with open sores, poor hygiene, coughing and hacking. Within the waiting room, tensions simmer as individuals vie for attention, with intake nurses assuming the roles of mediators and gatekeepers.
Proposed Solutions
Addressing the challenges inherent in inner-city emergency department waiting rooms requires multifaceted strategies. These include, but are not limited to:
Enhanced Patient Experience: Introducing entertainment options such as TVs and magazines can alleviate boredom and reduce tension. Clear communication about wait times and procedures can manage expectations and reduce anxiety.
Support for Staff: Investing in training programs and support services can equip staff with the necessary skills to navigate challenging interactions and mitigate burnout.
Community Outreach: Educating the community about the appropriate use of emergency departments and promoting access to primary care can reduce reliance on emergency services for non-urgent needs.
Streamlined Processes: Optimizing triage and intake procedures can minimize wait times and ensure timely access to care for those with urgent medical needs.
Addressing Healthcare Inequities: Advocating for policies aimed at improving access to primary care and addressing social determinants of health is crucial to reducing disparities in emergency department utilization.
Collaborative Partnerships: Engaging with local government agencies and community organizations to develop holistic approaches to healthcare delivery can address underlying systemic issues contributing to frequent emergency department visits.
In conclusion, inner-city emergency department waiting rooms serve as microcosms of broader societal inequities in healthcare access. By one or more of these suggestions, we might be able to create more equitable and compassionate healthcare systems for all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status and reduce the kinds of challenges that are manifest in places like emergency rooms of inner city hospitals.
Photo Credit:
Photographer: Micheal
Title: Emergency Room
Navigating Authenticity and Curation in a Digital Age
/by Jeffrey Ian RossWe live in a rapidly changing world, where we are increasingly exposed to both AI-generated content and human manipulated images/documents (i.e., photoshopping, deep fakes, airbrushed photos, etc.), as well as curated social media feeds and carefully crafted personal brands. Meanwhile individuals are constantly navigating this complex landscape in search of genuine experiences, spaces, and relationships. Ultimately this phenomenon has reinforced the tension between authenticity and curation.
These processes come at a cost, that typically involves a series of tradeoffs.
Consider an individual who may want to see wildlife in their natural habitat. What options are available to them? They could go on a hike or on a safari, hoping to catch a glimpse of these animals. However, because nature is unpredictable, there is no guarantee of such sightings. Conversely a person could visit a relatively large zoo, and see an abundance of different types of animals, meticulously presented for visitor enjoyment. But this kind of experience may leave patrons feeling as if they are missing out on an authentic experience.
This tension extends beyond wildlife encounters to various facets of life, from relationships, to clothing, to personal style, and to cuisine and cultural experiences. For instance, the experience of eating Japanese food differs significantly between indulging in it stateside versus savoring it in its country of origin.
But why does this tension matter? At its core, the struggle between authenticity and curation reflects deeper societal desires and values. It speaks to our longing for genuine connections, meaningful experiences, and a sense of belonging in an increasingly digital world. Moreover, it underscores the importance of understanding how our choices—whether to seek authenticity or embrace curation—affect our perceptions and interactions.
So, what insights can we glean from this exploration? First, it’s essential to acknowledge that the tension between authenticity and curation is multifaceted and nuanced, resource dependent, manifesting in diverse contexts and experiences. Second, recognizing the underlying motivations behind our preferences can assist us to make more informed decisions and navigate the tension between authenticity and curation with greater clarity and intentionality.
Ultimately, by understanding and perhaps engaging with this tension thoughtfully and critically, we can strive to strike a balance among our wants, needs and desires in our search for or acknowledgement of authenticity and curation. In doing so, we may be able to foster genuine connections, enriching experiences (and relationships) and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This journey does not offer any guarantees that we will be happier or more content, but if it gives us more clarity then perhaps it’s worth embarking upon.
Photo credit:
Photographer: Jack Delano
Title: A freak show at the Rutland Fair in Rutland, Vermont.
Public transportation systems need a more rational approach to graffiti and street art
/by Jeffrey Ian RossFrom dirty, trash strewn, and smelly buses and subway cars, bus transportation hubs, and subway stations, through unreliable schedules, to rude, unhelpful, and surly bus drivers and subway booth attendants, if you are like lots of people, there are many things that bother you about public transportation systems.
However, amidst these complaints, graffiti and street art, on buses and subway cars, and in bus depots and subway stations has never bothered me.
In brief, in the late 1960s, contemporary graffiti, with its rich history intertwined with urban and street culture, started appearing in the subway stations of New York City. It then spread to the subway cars and tunnels. Due to a variety of factors, including transit police cracking down on this kind of activity, it eventually emerging outside above ground on the streets.
Despite its roots, mass transit systems frequently allocate significant resources towards graffiti and street art abatement efforts, funds that could be redirected towards more pressing needs such as infrastructure and modernization improvements; the quality of personnel; reliability; accessibility for individuals with disabilities; strategies to address capacity and crowding; not to mention cleanliness and safety.
Rather than abating graffiti (and street art) outright, why not engage with riders and seek their input through periodic surveys? Ask patrons if they appreciate graffiti and street art, and whether they have preferences for certain styles, and where they think it might best be placed. Although subway graffiti itself is a distinct genre, a wide spectrum of artistic expressions within this realm exist, each utilizing unique materials and techniques.
What has our 65 year experience dealing with graffiti and street art in public transportation systems taught us?
Our approach has been largely futile and financially draining. Instead of viewing graffiti and street art as a nuisance, we should recognize its potential as a tool for revitalizing mass transit systems.
There are several compelling reasons why mass transit systems should embrace graffiti and street art.
To begin with these systems often suffer from visual monotony, with bland and uninspiring aesthetics. Introducing graffiti and street art could inject vibrancy and creativity, perhaps sparking conversations among passengers and fostering a sense of community.
Moreover, if concerns arise regarding the placement of graffiti and street art, innovative solutions can be explored. Public transportation systems could designate specific areas for artistic expression, sponsor competitions to showcase talent, and provide materials to encourage engagement.
By embracing graffiti and street art in controlled environments, transit authorities can strike a balance between artistic freedom and maintenance concerns.
Finally, it’s time for public transportation systems to rethink their stance on graffiti and street art. Rather than viewing them as liabilities, let’s recognize their potential to enhance urban public spaces and enrich the commuting experience.
By embracing creativity and community engagement, transit authorities can transform bland transportation vehicles and hubs into dynamic cultural hubs.
Photo credit
Photographer: txmx 2
Subject Graffiti in Hamburg Subway