Celebrate Patient Experience Week 2018
Celebrate Patient Experience Week 2018 - Travel Nurse Source Blog

Celebrate Patient Experience Week 2018

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When I first saw that Patient Experience Week 2018 is April 23-27, I was a bit confused. I wasn’t really sure what “patient experience” meant. To me, it didn’t really sound like the most interesting thing in the world, so I decided to do a bit of digging. Turns out, it’s a pretty awesome celebration! Below, I’ll outline what I learned about Patient Experience Week, and provide a few different ways that nurses can celebrate!

Patient Experience Week 2018

patient experience week 2018

What is Patient Experience Week?

Patient Experience Week is an annual, week-long celebration that was developed by the Beryl Institute. The Institute describes the week as a “focused time for organizations to celebrate accomplishments, reenergize efforts and honor the people who impact patient experience every day.” However, doctors and nurses aren’t the only ones who are honored this week. It’s also a time to celebrate the healthcare staff that is sometimes overlooked. This can include workers in information technology, administration, and executive team members. The aim of Patient Experience Week is to boost the morale of healthcare workers, recognize their hard work, and encourage their continued efforts.

Why Celebrate Patient Experience Week?

Celebrating and fostering a great patient experience can have lasting effects on a healthcare facility. Spectrio.com outlines three of the major benefits of celebrating Patient Experience Week:

  1. Better patient experience can lead to better healthcare outcomes. Creating a positive, safe environment can reduce a patient’s stress and, in turn, facilitate their healing process.
  2. Better patient experience improves patient engagement. Patients like being involved in their healthcare process. The more engaged a patient is, the more likely he or she is to be healthy and have better healthcare outcomes.
  3. Better patient experience means better patient loyalty. If patients have a positive experience during their care, they are more likely to trust their healthcare providers. As a result, they are more likely to return to the same facility in the future.

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Celebrating Patient Experience Week 2018

So, now that we’ve covered what Patient Experience Week is all about, let’s talk about some ways you can celebrate! Whether it’s a week-long celebration or a single day, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of this event. Here are some of the Beryl Institute’s suggestions:

  • Share your stories. Talk about a time that you have created a positive patient experience at work. When was a time that you took an extra step to make a patient happier and more comfortable? Consider creating a Patient Experience Week bulletin board, where nurses and other healthcare workers can share their stories for all to see.
  • Host a luncheon or potluck meal. You know what they say, food brings people together, right? Whether it’s an ice cream social or a big meal, this is a great way for staff to take a time out from work and enjoy themselves.
  • Hold a fundraiser. Even if it’s a small pocket change fundraiser, it can have a big impact on improving the patient experience!

How to Improve Patient Experience

This week is definitely a time to recognize the efforts of healthcare staff, but it doesn’t stop there. Patients are a part of the equation too! Here are some ways that you can create a better experience for your patients:

  • Create a comfortable environment. Doctors offices and hospitals aren’t the most relaxing places in the world. Consider offering patients blankets when they’re cold, playing music, or even offer different activities, like art and books.
  • Keep your patients informed. Patients don’t like to be left in the dark, especially when it comes to their health. Be sure to involve patients in their treatment plans so they know what’s going on.
  • Don’t forget your purpose. When nurses are too focused on their tasks themselves and not the purpose behind them, it’s easy for them to become indifferent and negligent.

Now that you know what Patient Experience Week is all about, spread the word! There is no right or wrong way to celebrate, so feel free to add your own ideas. How are you celebrating Patient Experience Week 2018? Let us know in the comments below!

Author: Travel Nurse Source

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