What role does patient satisfaction play in dictating provider treatment plans and diagnostic work ups? Specifically should a provider (MD, NP, PA) as a matter of practice routinely order studies for patients without any clear evidence of need just because the patient wants the study done? Furthermore, should the routine dispensing of antibiotic medications for viral illnesses, again because a patient feels that they need such medicines become common practice? The later question clearly has good scientific evidence to support saying no to this; medication resistance being a majority factor in such practices.
The delivery of healthcare services specifically treatment plans should be based on clinical need and not the desire of patients. The vast majority of the public does not have the requisite knowledge base to determine the need for any specific treatment, and medical literacy of the lay public is generally considered to be poor. My point here is not to speak ill of the public’s healthcare literacy level rather to point out that unless you have specific medical training it is extremely difficult to self teach all the nuances of medicine. Even with the plethora of available information resources regarding diseases etc, medicine is very much a field that most of us look to experts for advice.
Getting back to the main question here, how do or should we integrate patient satisfaction with respect to healthcare? Most patients want to be heard, they want their provider to clearly understand their perspective and needs regarding care. Patients do not want to feel rushed or minimized. Clear explanations from the providers to patients about treatment options and plans with an opportunity for asking questions would go a long way to improving provider-patient relationships which in turn enhances patient satisfaction. Additionally, timely provider access is of great importance to most patients. This last aspect has garnered several headlines in the media as the country continues to experience a primary care provider shortage. To make matters worse the shortages that healthcare is currently experiencing on many fronts is likely to become worse.
At the end of the day however, patients must be educated with respect to what are and what are not reasonable care expectations. Walking into an emergency department is not a kin to stepping into a restaurant and ordering what you want off of a menu, and nor should it be viewed as such. Presenting to a healthcare provider with a set of symptoms, engaging in dialogue, and collaboratively agreeing on a treatment plan all within a reasonable expectation of time with follow up should be what highlights satisfaction ratings.
In conclusion provider practices with respect to diagnostic work ups and treatment plans must not be predicated upon patient’s wishes, but rather sound evidence based clinical practice. To deliver healthcare in an otherwise fashion, needlessly adds cost, and may pose harm to patients. In terms of enhancing patient satisfaction ratings, delivering healthcare in a timely manner, with responsive access from providers, and good patient-provider dialogue will keep most people content.
What role does patient satisfaction play in dictating provider treatment plans and diagnostic work ups? Specifically should a provider (MD, NP, PA) as a matter of practice routinely order studies for patients without any clear evidence of need just because the patient wants the study done? Furthermore, should the routine dispensing of antibiotic medications for viral illnesses, again because a patient feels that they need such medicines become common practice? The later question clearly has good scientific evidence to support saying no to this; medication resistance being a majority factor in such practices.
The delivery of healthcare services specifically treatment plans should be based on clinical need and not the desire of patients. The vast majority of the public does not have the requisite knowledge base to determine the need for any specific treatment, and medical literacy of the lay public is generally considered to be poor. My point here is not to speak ill of the public’s healthcare literacy level rather to point out that unless you have specific medical training it is extremely difficult to self teach all the nuances of medicine. Even with the plethora of available information resources regarding diseases etc, medicine is very much a field that most of us look to experts for advice.
Getting back to the main question here, how do or should we integrate patient satisfaction with respect to healthcare? Most patients want to be heard, they want their provider to clearly understand their perspective and needs regarding care. Patients do not want to feel rushed or minimized. Clear explanations from the providers to patients about treatment options and plans with an opportunity for asking questions would go a long way to improving provider-patient relationships which in turn enhances patient satisfaction. Additionally, timely provider access is of great importance to most patients. This last aspect has garnered several headlines in the media as the country continues to experience a primary care provider shortage. To make matters worse the shortages that healthcare is currently experiencing on many fronts is likely to become worse.
At the end of the day however, patients must be educated with respect to what are and what are not reasonable care expectations. Walking into an emergency department is not a kin to stepping into a restaurant and ordering what you want off of a menu, and nor should it be viewed as such. Presenting to a healthcare provider with a set of symptoms, engaging in dialogue, and collaboratively agreeing on a treatment plan all within a reasonable expectation of time with follow up should be what highlights satisfaction ratings.
In conclusion provider practices with respect to diagnostic work ups and treatment plans must not be predicated upon patient’s wishes, but rather sound evidence based clinical practice. To deliver healthcare in an otherwise fashion, needlessly adds cost, and may pose harm to patients. In terms of enhancing patient satisfaction ratings, delivering healthcare in a timely manner, with responsive access from providers, and good patient-provider dialogue will keep most people content.