Each patient arrives in your facility in a state of discomfort and pain. It is no small challenge to make them feel comfortable and positive about their time with you. In the hustle and bustle of daily maintenance and operations, it’s easy to forget the things that make the best experience for your patients. You work hard to make their experience good. Use the following 5 tips to make your patient experience even better.
5 Tips to Improve Patient Satisfaction
In healthcare, it’s truly the little things that matter most. Skillful TLC, patience, and kindness are the fundamentals. Consider the following 5 ways to enhance your patient satisfaction:
1) The Best Care
Clear and courteous communication and considerate service go a long way. The unknown is scary enough without misunderstandings and unkind communication. Communicate necessary information clearly and compassionately every step along the way. Check for patient understanding. Furthermore, don’t make patients wait unnecessarily for things like lab results and daily assistance.
2) Cleanliness Within and Without
A patient’s experience in your facility is already hard enough in and of itself. You can make it easier by controlling their environment. A well-maintained exterior grounds makes everyone feel better- patients, staff, and visitors alike. Have your landscaping and lawncare tended to regularly. Make sure all sidewalks and public areas are clean and properly cared for. Make sure the interior of your facility is cleaned thoroughly and regularly. Pay special attention to patient rooms, waiting areas, and bathrooms.
3) Patient Feedback
It is critical to your practice to keep an ear to your patients’ feedback. How do your patients feel about their time in your care? Frequently share your patient feedback with your employees and staff. Use this feedback, along with insight from your HCAHPS scores to train your staff and employees on better patient care. Your goal is for your patients to recommend you to the people they know in their time of need.
4) Choice of Linens
Patient comfort while in your care is a huge determining factor in overall satisfaction. Your choice of linens plays a crucial role in their overall satisfaction. Are your hospital gowns cloth or paper? In addition to environmental and cost advantages, cloth linens provide your patients with a greater deal of comfort while in your care. This simple change will affect their overall experience tremendously. Consider using a linen services provider.
5) Mind the Noise
Stress impacts a patient’s recovery and their perception of your facility negatively. One of the primary common patient stressors is noise. Being mindful of radio volume, cell phones, and other loud noises is essential. In addition, look out for squeaky doors and chairs, rattling carts, and other smaller everyday noises. This is particularly important at night. Minding your noise levels will go a long way in improving the perception your patients have of your care.
Back to the Basics With Wilkins Linen
The healthcare industry is a public service like no other. You are caring for people in their most vulnerable state. You are always seeking to improve the patient experience. Get started with this guide to improve your patient satisfaction. Wilkins Linens is a Houston area leader in healthcare products and linen services. Contact Us for more information on cloth linens and other healthcare products.
