Using books to bring comfort amid the stress of clinical care

When undergoing medical care, life can feel defined by blood draws, transfusions, waiting rooms and anxiety between test results. Patients in these situations often shoulder burdens that science and medicine alone cannot ease. That is where stories come in. In the pages of a novel, the adventures of a favorite character or the descriptions of imaginative worlds offer an escape, a sense of normalcy and a small but meaningful source of comfort.

The Books on Wheels Initiative, a pilot program started by Chloe Zorbino, RN, a clinical research nurse in the Department of Infectious Diseases, provides free books for patients to read during their visits to St. Jude. The goal of the program is to foster connection, reduce stigma and promote resilience and joy through reading.

Supporting patients beyond the clinic

The inspiration for the Books on Wheels program came from a desire to support patients participating in research beyond the usual labs and protocols. By getting to know her patients enrolled in clinical trials in the HIV program, Zorbino noticed that many were reading for enjoyment. She wanted to find a way to help support that interest. This sparked the idea for a program that would increase their access to reading material and hopefully help brighten their clinical experience.

“I noticed that more and more patients were reading, so we started a small book program to support them,” said Zorbino. “Now, whenever I enroll a patient, I ask, ‘Do you like to read for fun?’”

With support from St. Jude, Zorbino was able to secure books and offer them to any patient enrolled in clinical research in the infectious disease clinic who wanted to participate.

From learner to leader

Assisting Zorbino with the program is Jaiden Richmond, a nursing student at the University of Memphis who is no stranger to St. Jude. Richmond first connected with the institution through the High School Research Immersion (HSRI) Program and later returned as a student mentor in the Emerging Leaders in Biomedical Research (ELBR) program with the St. Jude STEMM Education and Outreach Program.

Richmond is in his second year in the ELBR program, an experience that allows him to build skills and knowledge in line with his aspiration to become a clinical research nurse. His familiarity with the St. Jude community and career aspirations make him a natural partner in launching the book initiative.

“There is power in words,” explained Richmond. “Everything we read and consume shapes us, whether we realize it or not. So why not fill your world with stories that lift you up or offer a sense of escapism?”

“Being part of this program has meant a lot to me,” he continued. “I have gained a lot of experience here at St. Jude, and I’m grateful that I get to be a part of this project and give back. It’s exciting to help build something that has a positive impact on patients and families, and the experience has only strengthened my desire to become a clinical research nurse.”

Bringing books to the entire clinic

What began as a quiet effort solely orchestrated by Zorbino has since taken off, evolving into a program to serve the entire infectious disease clinic. The effort will be expanding to include a wider variety of books to serve more patients of different ages and interests. “We will have three carts, one for children, one for teens and one with books for adults,” explained Zorbino.

The book selections for each cart will be primarily guided by patient recommendations and a community advisory board, ensuring the book selections reflect patient interests. Patients will be able to take a book from the cart during their clinic visit, and once they finish it, they are welcome to choose another.

The Books on Wheels Program has already made a meaningful difference for patients. One participant testimonial explained, “I love exploring new worlds within stories. Reading often calms me and brightens my mood. I couldn’t imagine my life without books.” Reviews like this highlight how the program provides moments of joy, personal growth and emotional support.

“It’s been amazing to see the impact of this program on different patients I’ve gotten close to through their love of reading, and in some cases, I think the program has even sparked that love,” said Zorbino.

New worlds just a page away

Looking ahead, Zorbino and Richmond hope to expand the program further, exploring partnerships with local libraries, adding more diverse titles and finding new ways to track which books resonate most with patients.

Their goal is to continue evolving the program to meet the needs and interests of every patient, because even during the hardest days, there is a new world waiting just a page away.