Why Human Connection Is Essential to Quality Care

This episode of Mayo Clinic Key in to Quality focuses on a core insight from patient experience research. Patients judge care through two lenses: warmth and competence. Host Tim Morgenthaler and cohost Sheri Nemec speak with Chris Malone, author and founder of Fidelum Health, and Mayo Clinic’s Laurie Wilshusen about how trust forms and why small, human cues can create outsized impact.

The discussion shares concrete examples of clues patients notice: respectful use of time, eye contact, tone of voice, clear explanations, reliable follow-up. The episode even tackles how to avoid “performative” warmth and instead remove barriers that prevent clinicians’ genuine care from showing. Finally, they explore how AI and digital tools should enhance, not replace, authentic connection.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Co-Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

Guests: Chris Malone (32) Chris Malone | LinkedIn Laurie Wilshusen (32) Laurie Wilshusen | LinkedIn\

#MayoClinic #Mayokeyintoquality #patientexperience #qualityimprovement

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality