Building a positive patient experience starts well before the patient enters the medical office. Communication, trust, and meeting a patient’s health care expectations are all important to building that experience. It also impacts the patient after they leave their appointment.
A 2011 article in The Texas Heart Institute Journal referred to a speech that Dr. Francis W. Peabody gave to medical students at Harvard in 1926.
“Time, sympathy and understanding must be lavishly dispensed, but the reward is to be found in that personal bond which forms the greatest satisfaction of the practice of medicine. One of the essential qualities of the clinician is interest in humanity, for the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.”
Each patient is an unique individual and caring for the person instead of only addressing their medical issue is important.
A practice’s digital capabilities are necessary starting with the ease of making an appointment. However, the human components of care are also essential.
Why is patient experience important?
- Trust and Communication. A positive patient experience fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers. Effective communication and a caring attitude help patients feel heard, understood, and valued. Trusting their healthcare providers enables patients to share important information about their health, symptoms, and concerns. This leads to more accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans.
- Quality of Care. A positive patient experience is often associated with better adherence to treatment plans, improved patient outcomes, and increased patient satisfaction. When patients have a good experience, they are more likely to follow medical advice, take prescribed medications, and attend follow-up appointments, leading to better health outcomes.
- Reduced Anxiety and Stress. A compassionate and supportive healthcare environment helps patients feel comfortable and well-cared-for, often reducing their stress levels. This can positively impact their overall well-being and recovery.
- Patient-Centered Care. Patient-centered care is an approach that places the patient at the center of healthcare decisions. It involves tailoring medical care to the individual needs, preferences, and values of each patient. A positive patient experience is crucial for delivering patient-centered care and ensuring that medical treatments align with a patient’s goals and lifestyle.
- Continuity of Care. Long-term patient-provider relationships are important for managing chronic conditions and ensuring continuity of care. Positive patient experiences contribute to building strong relationships, leading to better cooperation and collaboration between patients and their healthcare team.
Patient experience is important because it directly affects patient outcomes, satisfaction, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery. It’s not just about treating medical conditions; it’s about providing holistic care that considers the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of patients.