Patient Connection

While we focus on patient satisfaction to improve our HCAHPs scores, it should also be noted that working towards a positive patient experience is critical for patient safety and quality. Clinicians that engage their patients improve communication while improving satisfaction. No one is more concerned about patient safety than the patients themselves. If patients are engaged to participate in their care, they can help remind clinicians about hand hygiene and to question other things when things don't seem right. When clinicians are engaged in improving the patient experience, they take the time to connect with the patient as a human being. One nursing strategy that helps connect with patients is called Take Five. This initiative "gives permission" to the nurse to stop multitasking for just 5 minutes and connect to the patient; this is currently being trialed here at MUSC on 9East.

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