Competency
Evaluate the role and importance of the patient experience.
Course Scenario
Chaparral Regional Hospital is a small, urban hospital of approximately 60 beds, and offers the following:
- Emergency room services
- Intensive care
- Surgical care
- Obstetrics
- Diagnostic services
- Some rehabilitation therapies
- Inpatient pharmacy services
- Geriatric services and
- Consumer physician referral services
Recently, the CEO has been hearing complaints from both patients and staff. You have been hired to design and implement a Quality Improvement Plan to help uncover quality problems and satisfactorily resolve them.
Scenario Continued
The Public Information Officer for Chaparral Regional Hospital as contacted you requesting information for the employee newsletter. In particular, she would like you to write a short article with an accompanying infographic detailing the role and importance of the patient experience when working towards quality improvement.
Instructions
The article should address the role and importance of the patient experience in healthcare when working towards quality improvement. Both the article and the infographic should include appropriate information and graphics.
The goal of the article is to provide the reader with valuable information and enlighten them about the subject. Therefore, your article should be more persuasive than academic. In the article, you will address the role of the patient experience in healthcare and its importance. APA standards would still apply.
APA formatting for the article, and proper grammar, punctuation, and form are required.
You will highlight the major ideas from your article in the infographic. An infographic is a visual representation of ideas, and you are free to be as creative as you want when creating your infographic.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This article addresses the role and importance of the patient experience in healthcare when working towards quality improvement. The patient experience refers to the interactions and experiences that patients have with the healthcare system and providers. It includes aspects such as communication, clinical care, and environment, and it can greatly impact the satisfaction, outcomes, and perceptions of patients. Thus, understanding and improving the patient experience is crucial for achieving high-quality healthcare.
Answer:
The patient experience plays a critical role in healthcare, as it can affect various aspects of quality improvement. First, providing a positive patient experience can improve patient satisfaction and trust in the healthcare system. Patients who feel heard, respected, and involved in their care are more likely to comply with treatment, have positive outcomes, and recommend the healthcare provider to others. Conversely, negative experiences such as poor communication, delays, or errors can lead to frustration, distrust, and even legal action. Therefore, prioritizing the patient experience is essential for building a good reputation and relationship with patients.
Second, the patient experience can also impact clinical outcomes and safety. For example, when patients are actively engaged in their care and provided with clear instructions and resources, they are less likely to experience complications, readmissions, or adverse events. Moreover, when patients share their experiences and feedback with providers, it can help identify areas of improvement and prevent errors or gaps in care. Thus, enhancing the patient experience can lead to better clinical outcomes, safety, and quality of care.
Third, the patient experience is closely linked to healthcare disparities and equity. Patients from diverse backgrounds or with language or cultural barriers may face different challenges or preferences in their care and communication. By acknowledging and addressing these differences, healthcare providers can ensure that all patients receive equitable and person-centered care. Additionally, by involving patients in quality improvement initiatives and patient advisory groups, healthcare organizations can foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and shared decision-making.
In conclusion, the patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare quality improvement, with impacts on patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, safety, and equity. By valuing and enhancing the patient experience, healthcare providers and organizations can build trust, improve outcomes, and ultimately deliver person-centered care.
