When thinking about what qualities make up the best patient care, two things come to mind: comfort and trust. The more comfortable patients feel in their surroundings, the more likely they are to feel at ease. In other words, a high level of patient satisfaction directly correlates to a patient’s experience at their healthcare provider’s office or hospital. However, possessing excellent nursing care skills can only take you so far; you also have to consider the patient’s quality of life.
Those in the healthcare sector know there’s a shift toward patient-centered care that goes beyond making sure patients feel fine. It entails taking the whole person and their quality of life into account. As a result, many professionals have returned to the classroom. For example, an online nurse practitioner program in Texas like the one provided by Texas Woman’s University prioritizes quality of life outcomes and risk mitigation. The master’s program is designed for nurses with a BSN who are looking to develop clinical skills within family nursing.
Doctors and nurses must look beyond the obvious factors to improve the quality of life for their patients. Let’s examine some keyways of boosting patients’ satisfaction and quality of life.
Reduce healthcare worries to improve patient quality of life
Nervous patients are more likely to skip needed appointments. To avoid uncertainty, professionals can gently change the patient’s mindset. For example, many patients are concerned about potential adverse side effects. During a medical examination, doctors may already know this information, but it’s helpful to convey this to patients and put their minds at ease where possible.
Comfort care for the whole person
Many factors influence a patient’s quality of life and experience. For example, promptness, courtesy and healthy foods matter to patients. That means that if your patients don’t get proper levels of nutrition, rest, and exercise, they may not be able to feel as good as they could. Doctors and nurses play a crucial role in ensuring this. For example, they can avoid unnecessary medical language and use more intuitive terms.
Confidence in technology for patient quality
Some research shows that providing patients with access to technology helps improve their health and quality of life. For example, patients with dementia can stay safer. In addition, patients who use mobile apps to control their blood pressure, track their medication intake and communicate with their caregivers have better outcomes.
Helpful hiring practices
It’s always helpful for healthcare providers to focus on hiring trustworthy and kind people. These qualities make a huge difference in how patients feel about their care, while more empathetic and trusting nurses and healthcare staff are better at providing care. Leaders need to look for these specific skills in job applications. For example, they could say in the application, “I am excellent at communicating with patients and families.”
Healthy foods and environments for patients
It is also crucial for healthcare providers to be mindful of the types of foods they serve. Providing a healthy snack or meal while patients wait can positively impact their overall experience and help remove any distractions that may hinder patient outcomes. A clean waiting room is also an essential factor to consider. This lowers patients’ stress by increasing their level of comfort and ease.
Promptness and courtesy of the staff
Adding extra time to each appointment and being prompt with each care step are two additional ways professionals can help boost the patient’s quality of life and healthcare experience. Prioritizing the most important things, such as the most urgent cases, enables you to get through quickly and with less frustration. Patients want to feel their healthcare providers work hard for their well-being, and that’s why it’s essential to be courteous with patients during every interaction.
Thinking outside the box
In conclusion, healthcare providers must think outside the box to improve patients’ experiences and quality of life. It is vital to take a patient-centered approach to healthcare and consider the whole person as opposed to just a list of symptoms. Professionals can help patients feel more at ease by displaying empathy and avoiding medical jargon.
Furthermore, they can explain things simply and provide them with technology and tools to help themselves. This allows patients to feel like their healthcare providers have their overall health and wellness in mind, and that will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes, which is a winning scenario for patients and professionals alike.
