Patients often mention the Chuckle Channel and speak of how much they have enjoyed it during their hospitalization. As a physician, I’ve found it offers an easy way for me to build rapport with patient through an unspoken acknowledgement of our shared humanity. As more data become available regarding the negative effects of stress on health and healing, it becomes clearer that one of the worst things we can be doing for our hospitalized patients is subject them to much of the violence, aggression, and dehumanization that constitutes so much of television programming. Alternatives that include humor, music and nature promote a much more healing environment.

Daniel Fischberg, MD, PhD
Medical Director, Pain and Palliative Care
The Queen’s Medical Center