With wider access to and transparency of quality and care data, healthcare providers need to focus on improving patient engagement and the patient experience, according to a Gallup Business Journal report.
Consumers are now able to "shop around" for the best value and quality, so healthcare providers need to find ways to surpass just providing quality care, according to the report.
Here are Gallup's six strategies to improve patient engagement.
1. Engage patients at admission. Include them in discussions regarding procedures and discharge.
2. Make sure patients understand test results. Asking patients to explain back results to clinicians can ensure they understand the results.
3. Proactively meet patients' needs. Respond quickly to patient requests and, when possible, anticipate any needs a patient may have.
4. Demonstrate empathy. Show patients you empathize with them and their families by addressing their needs every day.
5. Coordinate proper communication. Ensure providers across the continuum of care are communicating with each other.
6. Coordinate discharge processes. Coordinating the process with physicians and nurses helps expedite the discharge and prevents the patient from having to wait around.
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