As part of the patient- and family-centered care strategic priority, we make it our goal to provide the best and safest environment for each and every Johns Hopkins patient. From providing directions around the maze of hospital walls to staying by a patient's bedside to provide comfort and support, we can all improve a patient's experience at Johns Hopkins. Share what you've done recently in today's Question of the Week.
6 CommentsWhat Have You Done to Improve a Patient’s Experience?
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I see both patients and research participants as part of my job. Most of these people are coming to Hopkins for one visit only, and are not at all familiar with how to get from one place to another. I make a point of meeting them at registration and staying with them as much as I can until they are seen (they're coming for a specialty MRI), and then escort them back out of the hospital when they're done. They're usually grateful for the attention, and almost always say something about the way they were treated.
I think a smile is always a plus. Looking for those requiring directions and helping them to find their way around, making them feel important, looking at their eyes and sometimes listening at them telling us their health problems, even crying with their stories.
I think this is something we practice at Hopkins every day.
Simple, I listen
Our elderly patients who depend on assistive walking devices often encounter obstacles along the way to their destination. I always stop to lend a hand, whether it is to fetch or push a wheelchair, help manuveur a curb or just to offer a friendly smile and ask if I may assist them. These small offerings go a long way with our patients and the kindness is not forgotten.
When I feel it is appropiate I try to touch my patients hand or shoulder when talking to them. I have even given them a hug at times. I think it conveys that someone truly cares, especially to those patients that no one really wants to touch...
Many patients have that glazed look when trying to find out where they need to be. Will stop and ask if they need help when I see that look. I have walked patients cross campus if the directions were too confusing. Helped older woman along in wheelchair get to her appointment at Wilmer. Helped them to find where to get lunch or just a cup of coffee.