Patient care experiences deal with experiences that are directly related to the patient’s health and well-being
Why improving the patient experience is vital to the healthcare industry
With more patients no longer willing to take the backseat when it comes to steering their healthcare experiences, improving patient healthcare experience is vital for the global future of the healthcare industry.
Improving patient experience in healthcare can be looked at both macro and micro levels and require strategic changes that can transform the experience delivered.
However, before we dive into how patient experience healthcare can be improved, it’s important to make a clear distinction between what we mean when we say ‘healthcare experience’ and ‘patient care experience’. Allow us to explain.
Healthcare experience vs. patient care experience
Healthcare Experience deals with experiences that aren't necessarily directly linked with the patient's health but do play a significant role when it comes to interacting with patients. For example, this can include checking vitals, filling prescriptions, delivering food, and cleaning patient rooms.
On the other hand, patient care experiences deal with experiences that are directly related to the patient's health and well-being—for example, prescribing medication, designing tailored treatment plans, and performing medical tests.
How to improve patient experience in healthcare
1. Collecting data for optimized outcomes
As a general rule of thumb, you can't measure anything you can't manage. Analyzing existing data is the first step to improving patient experience and providing quality care. This gives you a good idea of where opportunities for improvement and growth exist.
One way this can be done is by carrying out patient satisfaction surveys, KPIs, and other metrics to monitor health outcomes and overall wellness closely.
2. Better diagnostic experiences
Let's face it. A hospital is the last place anyone would want to be. There are already feelings of distress and restlessness in patients, and topped with the anxiety of the procedures can really take a toll on their mental and physical well-being.
Therefore, remember that an empathetic approach can do wonders. Reducing waiting times, investing in quieter patient-friendly apparatus and machinery, and creating an overall soothing and comforting environment can help considerably reduce anxiety.
3. Encouraging patient engagement
It's true when they say that patients can be the best advocates for their health – only if they're encouraged to participate in the critical decisions that medical physicians make actively. Creating a safe zone where questions, concerns, and worries are calmly and completely addressed is crucial in providing an optimized patient healthcare experience. This doesn't just apply to patients, though. Ensuring their attendants and family are just as involved can create a smoother healthcare journey.
4. Delivering what matters most
Gone are the days when a one-size-fits-all approach did the job. Patients are now more in control of their healthcare decisions, and their choices reflect this. Adhering to patient goals and preferences, such as pain-free diagnosis, faster recovery period with minimal side effects, and little downtime post-treatment is key to delivering favorable outcomes.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
