The Human Element of Patient Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n Healthcare providers are busy people with important work to do. Unfortunately, efficiency can sometimes come across as brusque, blunt, or downright rude behavior \u2013 at least when it comes to the patient\u2019s perspective. Today, we explore the role of a healthy bedside manner as part of a holistic approach to patient safety and care. The research is in, and it\u2019s definitive: A friendly, honest, and genuine interaction with a healthcare professional does wonders for a patient\u2019s health and well-being.<\/p>\n The Patient\u2019s Voice Counts<\/strong><\/p>\n Though some physicians chafe at the thought of it, offering short surveys to patients is a critical way to ensure that your organization is meeting your community\u2019s needs. Researchers at Vanderbilt University have established unmistakable links between patient satisfaction and what\u2019s called \u201ccompassionate care\u201d \u2013 or an amicable bedside manner. The pioneering Partners Healthcare in Boston, Massachusetts mandates that medical residents complete coursework designed to cultivate empathy and compassion at the bedside. And the Cleveland Clinic delivers patient feedback to physicians on a quarterly basis as a way of continuously improving care.<\/p>\n It\u2019s All About Trust<\/strong><\/p>\n In today\u2019s busy world, most physicians have only a few moments to spend with each patient, so time is of the essence. As such, many patients feel anxious or stressed at their appointments \u2013 simply because they understand how precious the time truly is. It\u2019s critical, therefore, to establish a sense of calm any time we interact with patients, whether they\u2019re new to our clinics or not. Patients wait weeks, even months, to see their healthcare professionals, and it\u2019s integral that we give them the attention they require \u2013 and deserve.<\/p>\n When a patient feels at ease, they\u2019re more likely to open up, asking questions and offering honest feedback \u2013 both keys to a productive provider-patient relationship. On the other hand, if a patient feels rushed or ignored, they\u2019re likely to focus on the insult, not the actual issue at hand \u2013 their health. There never seems to be enough time, and it\u2019s the healthcare provider\u2019s challenge to view each patient as a human being, never a number.<\/p>\n From Bedside to Boardroom \u2013 A Holistic Approach to Patient Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), there\u2019s a strong correlation between a hospital\u2019s culture and its patient safety improvement. Gary Kaplan, in the Journal of Healthcare Management, reports that without strong leadership, \u201ca culture of safety is difficult to develop and nurture,\u201d implying that the attitudes and culture created by administrators will impact the patient, too. Ultimately, an organization\u2019s leaders are responsible for error mitigation and ensuring patient safety, whatever the cost. Without an impetus to put patient safety at the forefront, any healthcare organization is bound to suffer \u2013 and its patients will bear the brunt.<\/p>\n Shifting from Blame to Accountability<\/strong><\/p>\n Many healthcare providers feel under attack as hospitals move towards surveying patients and requiring empathy and compassion training. Yet the goal should always be made clear: The impetus should always be to improve the patient experience, and to cultivate patient safety across the board. There\u2019s no sense in placing blame or accusing staff members \u2013 instead, organizations should aim to create a culture of accountability, in which errors are duly reported and addressed, and patients are encouraged to provide feedback to improve the healthcare experience \u2013 not incriminate a healthcare provider.<\/p>\n Ultimately, creating an environment of safety and care may take time \u2013 but any efforts towards alleviating patient distress are worthwhile.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Care at the Bedside: Patient Safety and the Personal Touch The Human Element of Patient Safety Healthcare providers are busy people with important work to do. Unfortunately, efficiency can sometimes come across as brusque, blunt, or downright rude behavior \u2013 at least when it comes…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n