Awardees highlight how to improve patient experience

Hospitals can improve patient experience by making patient navigation seamless, educating patients before surgery to set realistic expectations, and providing effective follow-up care, according to recent Press Ganey patient experience award winner Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Newport Beach, Calif. The orthopedic institute also maintains high nurse-to-patient ratios to promote responsiveness in care settings. Another award winner, Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth Health, prioritizes effective communication between patients, families and health care professionals; responds to calls in a timely fashion; and recognizes feelings and preferences. The executives note health leaders should prioritize patient experience because it correlates with reimbursement, patient safety and clinical outcomes. (HealthLeaders Media article, 1/22/24)