Patient care entails the prevention, treatment, and management of a disease. It refers to the maintenance of emotional and physical wellbeing through the services provided by healthcare practitioners. Hospitals globally face pressure to improve patient care, whether it is infrastructure or the availability of services. Nowadays, patients have enough awareness to seek treatment at healthcare facilities with a respected reputation for inpatient services. Here are the 4 ways of improving patient care.
Patient care goes hand in hand with a health facility’s infrastructure, mentoring, available technology, and the overall performance of operational systems. One of the most crucial elements about healthcare facilities is nurses and their role in inpatient care.
Table of Contents
Role of Nurses in Patient Care
Nurses play an essential part in safeguarding public health. Their responsibilities vary from making an accurate diagnosis to educating patients about their health issues.
However, being a nurse isn’t limited to patient care; nowadays, nurses must play a more significant role, almost equal to doctors’. One of the main reasons for this is the evolution in medicine and the increasingly complex and technical nature of their work which means there’s a dire need to provide nurses the education needed to ensure maximum patient care and satisfaction.
An example would be patients with complex psychiatric and physical health issues which need intensive care. Institutes worldwide offer online degree programs and enrollment in contemporary psychotherapies and psychopharmacology to help provide better care to mental health patients.
The post-master’s certificate psychiatric nurse practitioner online helps MSN holders earn a professional degree to help patients with mental illnesses. This program enables candidates to learn the skills needed to diagnose various mental conditions and help patients live and deal with them.
The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis predicts an 18% increase in demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners between 2016-2030. This means the need for the PMHNP Psych NP Certificate for nurses is in high demand.
With the stats and role of nurses highlighted, let us investigate ways for maximizing patient care.
1. Encourage more accurate diagnosis
An accurate and timely diagnosis is key to a positive patient outcome. Visiting the doctor, the first few minutes of conversation could decide subsequent treatment measures.
An effective decision-making process relies entirely on the correct diagnosis. A wrong diagnosis may result in improper medication and even death. The factors that lead to diagnostic errors are often a result of mishandled information.
Also, system-related errors can be a result of misinterpreted diagnostic imaging. Another reason for misdiagnosis can be the outdated equipment with poor image quality. It affects the patients as well as the health care facility. The shortage of staff, overtime, inadequate facilities, and other issues are reasons for misdiagnosis.
Hence, healthcare institutions should invest in innovative, user-friendly diagnostic tools, database management software, and reliable information systems for an error-free diagnosis. The staff should be given flexibility in work hours and compensated well.
2. Improve access to care
One of the most significant factors in enhancing healthcare and patient outcomes is treatment and accessibility. In underdeveloped countries, access to care is a big problem that makes treatment difficult. Lack of basic health facilities results in life loss and prevalent diseases.
Accessibility and availability of healthcare providers and clinics should be easier for those who need medical attention. It also means how, when, and where patients access treatment.
Proper diagnosis and treatment are only possible through communication, collaboration, and the exchange of information. It makes treatment more convenient for the patients as well as the healthcare professionals.
Physicians aware of a patient’s history should ensure their availability anytime—scheduling appointments by online reservations or phone calls. Meeting patient demands reduces the chances of medical malpractice and prolonged health problems.
3. A supportive work environment for Healthcare Personnel
When it comes to providing quality healthcare, successful teamwork has an immediate and positive impact on patient safety and outcome. The atmosphere and working conditions directly affect the results. It is also a significant factor in the recruitment and retention of health professionals.
An unhealthy work environment is a significant reason for medical errors, anxiety, absenteeism, and burnout. It is the responsibility of the healthcare facility management to help foster a friendly environment where equal employment and career opportunities are encouraged.
Policies should include flexible work hours, immunity from occupational risks, reimbursement for reduced hours, childcare options, and maternal/paternal leaves. A promising approach will bear positive outcomes.
4. Mental health promotion and prevention
Treating people with mental illnesses is not the same as those with physical ailments. Patients with mental health issues are often ignored because of limitations in health facilities to monitor their progress or diagnose an illness.
However, early childhood interventions, support programs, targeted groups, violence prevention programs, and community development programs help patients open up about their issues and encourage conversations to help develop new treatments and understand an illness.
Research reveals positive psychotherapy and resilience enhancement encourage positive emotions and engagement. Other interventions include therapy that aims at improving quality of life in multiple domains such as health, self-esteem, work, and recreation.
Mental health promotion and prevention of illnesses have become a severe challenge for psychiatrists. Also, literacy in the subject and psychotherapeutic skills are crucial for diagnosing and treating mental disabilities.
Final Words
It is the responsibility of the healthcare facility to formulate policies and take measures that enable patients with mental and physical disorders to avail primary care effortlessly. The use of state-of-the-art technology helps patients be informed and knowledgeable, increasing transparency.
Communication is vital for exchanging vital information between a doctor and a patient. Through communication, patients feel engaged and empowered throughout their treatment tenure. Implementing these methods will help contribute towards a positive and speedy recovery tenure and improve physical and mental wellbeing.