The New York Times reports today on hospitals that have finally figured out that their attitude and approach goes a long way toward how their patients feel about their experiences.
It seems the two hospitals cited in the story have begun treating patients with dignity and respect. They are working on compassion and customer service, too.
Wait! I think I see a few pigs taking flight, too!
At least that's how this report first struck me. Can it be that hospitals are beginning to get it?
The upgraded treatment for patients in one hospital emanated from one woman who, having had a horrible experience when her husband was sick and hospitalized, has now worked to make sure others won't have to suffer the way she and her husband did. (This rings a very LOUD bell to me!)
From dimmer lights, to quieter hallways, to prettier gowns, and even complementary healthcare services such as aromatherapy, massage and reiki -- it sounds more like a spa than a hospital.
And -- this is without extra cost to the hospital, it would seem. The quote is from Janet Siegel, executive vice president for external affairs at Four Winds Hospital. “There’s no more money, there’s no more people, there’s no more time. Now how are you going to make it better?"
Kudos to the hospitals that are recognizing that patient-centered means more than patients are more than just an income stream.
I wonder if anyone is studying outcomes now, too? Are patients healing more quickly? Are more of them surviving? Are infection rates down (or at least no worse?)
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Photo ©Dimas Ardian/Getty Images
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