EP. 140: Bringing Human Connection Back to Healthcare

EP. 140: Bringing Human Connection Back to Healthcare

June 3, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

Dr. Mary Jo Assi discusses the importance of human connection in healthcare and its impact on patient and staff experiences.

Human connection in healthcare does not take more time; it takes more intention. In this episode, Dr. Mary Jo Assi, Associate Chief Nursing Officer and Partner, Strategic Consulting at Press Ganey, discusses the evolving challenges facing healthcare teams and the critical role compassionate, connected care plays in improving both patient and staff experiences. She shares insights from national healthcare data trends, including rising workplace violence, post-pandemic patient trust issues, and ongoing challenges in emergency departments. Mary Jo explains how intentional communication, empathy, and simple human connection can significantly improve patient experience without adding more time to clinicians’ workloads. She also reflects on why nurses need a stronger voice in operational and financial decision-making and how healthcare organizations can better support staff engagement and safety. Tune in to hear how healthcare leaders can rebuild trust, strengthen caregiver engagement, and bring compassion back to the center of care. About Dr. Mary Jo Assi: As Associate Chief Nursing Officer and Partner, Strategic Consulting, Mary Jo leads strategies to strengthen caregiver resilience…

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Coffee Break: Breaking the Cycle of Bullying in Healthcare, One Cup at a Time podcast page.