How to Implement a Patient-Focused Care Program in a Hospital

Patient-focused care is a healthcare model that puts you in control of your healthcare plan. Through open communication with healthcare providers, you can make informed choices and enjoy the benefits of individualized care. Hospitals are working on ways to improve the care that they provide. As a patient, you are an important part of this dynamic change. Instead of the hospital being a frightening and confusing experience, it can be comfortable and informative with you, the patient, in charge.

Instructions

• 1

  Outline the purpose of your hospital's patient-focused program. One of the main points should be to make the patient an active participant in their healthcare decisions. It should include the goal of improved patient outcomes in a patient-focused environment. Consideration should be given to individual patient needs from a medical, cultural, spiritual and personal perspective.

• 2

  Decide which concepts to include in your hospital program. It is important to include suggestions from patients and their families. Supplying patients with suggestion cards is a cost-effective way to evaluate patient ideas to include in your program. As the primary caregivers for your patients, meet with your hospital personnel to gain valuable insight into the needs of your patients and their families. Consider hiring a healthcare advocacy company for suggestions on patient-related goals.

• 3

  Confer with your hospital's financial analysts to evaluate the cost of implementing your patient-focused care program. Along with your financial team, meet with hospital administrators and your board of directors for cost approval. Your hospital financial reports should include how the cost of launching your new program will be incorporated into your budget.

• 4

  Evaluate the success of your patient-focused care program by keeping open communication with patients, families and hospital personnel. Patient satisfaction surveys should be an essential tool for evaluating the need for changes. Feedback from hospital personnel will become a key to understanding patient and family satisfaction. Create an in-hospital patient advocacy program to deal with patient complaints in a timely manner.