Factors that Influence Quality, Safety, Patient-Centered Care

Factors that Influence Quality, Safety, Patient-Centered Care

Quality has become an imperative aspect of the contemporary world. As a result, the delivery of top-notch healthcare services is essential in achieving efficacious patient satisfaction. There are different aspects of the healthcare system that can impact the effectiveness of its services. Given the elusive and multi-dimensional nature of quality, its components are highly dynamic and context-dependent. It is essential to be vigilant on every aspect of healthcare for the realization of consistent prize-winning upshots. This paper will focus on explaining various variables that significantly affect the provision of superior and unswerving patient-centered care.

Exclusive healthcare system highly depends on the efficacy of the input and, in this case; physician’s competence and the type of technology employed in carrying out investigations, diagnosis, and management of the condition (Greene, 2012). Introduction of modern technology to replace the manual health record storage system has led to better and safer data storage hence improved confidentiality. Technology also plays a superior role in aiding in the generation of the ultimate diagnosis. Both nurses and doctors can now make early diagnosis and subsequently treat conditions before advancing to severe levels. There is a marked improvement in the morbidity and mortality rates related to cancer, thanks to contemporary technological advancements. Modern technology has improved multiple health sectors in management and follows up of patients. For instance, orthopedic surgeons are now able to provide reliable management of fractures while cardiologists can easily insert stents in the heart and blood vessels to manage various life-threatening cardiovascular conditions.

Communication is another top tool in the establishment of first-class healthcare. It must exist between patients and medical personnel to provide better patient-centered healthcare services. Health officers should be trained through nurturing programs. Good communication helps in establishing a good rapport between patients and their caregivers which sets an interactive environment between the two parties. This is a crucial aspect of obtaining a good clinical history of the current illness and a useful physical examination. Therefore, there is a need to promote communication in a healthcare setting in order to achieve quality healthcare and patient safety. Poor communication between the patient, healthcare institution and insurance firm can adversely affect treatment. The patient needs to choose a health insurance firm that establishes proper connection with clients to avert from such qualms.

Lack of proper collaboration among health professionals and their clients increases patient dissatisfaction. Ideal patient-centered healthcare services require teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration which reduces possible errors and enhance patient monitoring. Hughes (2008) argues that it is easier to adhere to standardized medical procedures when working as a team than on an individual basis. Medical professionals have different ranks depending on the level of education. Therefore, proper consultations between the junior staff and those at the top of the pyramid in the hierarchal model promote the accuracy and precision in the delivery of healthcare services. Skilled consultations also help to nurture skills and positively increase experience among the junior staff members. In essence, the emphasis is on the importance of incorporating multidisciplinary collaboration in the medical field curriculum. Poor patient cooperation hinders the treatment process.

Teamwork also entails shared decision making which is fundamental in making the right diagnosis and prescribing quality treatment hence better outcomes. The model aids in improving skills and knowledge, heighten patient involvement in the process and promotes an assessment of potential risks in the management of patients. With adequate patient involvement, the success rate of the preferred medical intervention is more likely to be higher (Greene, 2012). Physicians can establish meaningful discussions with their clients before the latter make informed decisions that impact their health. Consequently, this ensures medical and health ethics and patients can make the right treatment selections. It is also advisable for patients to share opinions with medical professionals before making final decisions. As a result, there is a better understanding of the condition and good comprehension of the various stages of treatment.

Strict adherence to laws, regulations, and policies promote good patient outcomes. Various bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) have set up standard operating guidelines that ensure healthcare providers give the best treatment to all patients. The regulations are essential for decision making among those with little experience. Consistent adherence to policies and laws subsequently improve the level of expertise among the rookies (Hughes, 2008). Without such systems, errors made by health professionals will increase, and the potential outcomes will be difficult to predict. Therefore, the governments should educate healthcare providers on the importance of observing the set laws, regulations, and policies.

In conclusion, achieving quality patient-centered care and safety is multifactorial. It includes the use of advanced technology, good communication, and collaboration between patients and the medical service givers, shared decision-making strategies and adherence to laws, regulations, and policies. A system that is committed to providing eminent and safe healthcare will aim at improving the above-outlined factors for the realization of optimum patient satisfaction.

 

References

Greene, S. M., Tuzzio, L., &Cherkin, D. (2012). A Framework for Making Patient-Centered Care Front and Center. The Permanente journal vol.16(3),  49-53.

Hughes R.G. (2008). Nurses at the “Sharp End” of Patient Care-Patient Safety and Quality: An                       Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2008 Apr. Chapter 2. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2672/