We’re often quick to celebrate the hard work of our front-line heroes but rarely reflect on the positive outcomes they bring to those they care for. This week we celebrate Patient Experience Week and put into the spotlight the significant impact healthcare workers have on patient care. This dedicated week underscores the importance of every interaction between patients and the healthcare system, highlighting the essential elements of healthcare delivery that patients value.
Shearwater Health, known for its global dedication to quality patient care, recognizes the pivotal role of both bedside and remote nurses in shaping the patient experience. Throughout Patient Experience Week, the focus is on celebrating these professionals and their daily contributions, but also on re-energizing and inspiring all involved—from patients and their families to the clinicians who support them every day.
What Do We Mean by Patient Experience?
The terms ‘patient experience’ and ‘patient satisfaction’ are often used interchangeably in healthcare settings, yet they represent distinctly different aspects of healthcare quality. Patient experience is a comprehensive measure, focusing on the specifics of what happened during care and how it was delivered from the patient’s perspective. This includes whether key aspects of care, such as clear communication and timely treatment occurred.
Conversely, patient satisfaction is more subjective, gauging whether a patient’s expectations were met during their health encounter. Satisfaction can vary significantly even among patients who receive identical care, influenced heavily by personal expectations about the service level – i.e. you can give two patients the same exact treatment plans, but one may be more satisfied with the outcome of their treatment than the other due to the expectations they hold.
How Shearwater is Addressing Patient Experience
Shearwater Health strategically enhances patient care by focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness of its clinical workforce. Shearwater has made significant strides in maximizing the clinical capacity of nurses so that they can work at top of license and devote more time to caring for their patients. By reducing the administrative burdens that typically distract from direct patient interactions, such as coding, utilization management, and virtual case management, Shearwater allows nurses to prioritize bedside care, which is crucial for both patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Giving Thanks to Those That Made It a Reality
Our deepest thanks to Shearwater’s 5,000 clinicians, who work from bedside to back office, to solve both medical and administrative challenges around the clock. Hats off as well to Shearwater’s clients, who elevate the patient experience by empowering nurses to practice at the peak of their license. Together, these champions of healthcare don’t just treat symptoms; they’re weaving the strong, compassionate fabric that holds our medical community together.
