Female doctor with the stethoscope holding heart
It’s no secret that Canada has a world-class healthcare system. But even the best systems can be improved, and patient experience is one area where hospitals in Canada can make some big strides. Here are 7 things every hospital in Canada should do to improve patient experience.
1) Make it easy for patients to give feedback
Patients should be able to easily give feedback about their experiences, both good and bad. This can be done through online surveys, comment cards, or even just a simple suggestion box.
2) Use that feedback to make changes
Once hospitals have collected feedback from patients, they need to actually use it to make improvements. This might mean changing the way certain procedures are done, improving communication between staff and patients, or anything else that will make a difference.
3) Put patients first
Patients should always be the priority for hospitals. That means making sure they have access to the best possible care, that they’re treated with respect and dignity, and that their needs are always put first.
4) Make it easy to navigate the system
The healthcare system can be complicated and confusing, especially for patients who are dealing with a chronic illness or a new diagnosis. Hospitals should make sure that patients know what their options are and where they can go for help.
5) Improve communication
Poor communication is one of the biggest complaints patients have about the healthcare system. Hospitals need to make sure that patients understand their diagnosis, their treatment options, and what to expect from their care.
6) Be more responsive to patient needs
Hospitals should be flexible and responsive to the needs of their patients. That might mean providing more support for patients who are struggling to cope with a serious illness, or making it easier for patients to get the care they need.
7) Make sure patients feel respected and valued
Patients should feel like they are respected and valued by the staff at their hospital. This means treating them with dignity and compassion, and making sure they always feel like they are welcome.
