Proper patient care has always been critical, but in orthopedic medicine, the patient experience is especially critical. The economy is uncertain, and the healthcare industry has become oversaturated with a wealth of treatment options. With the rising implant cost and the lowered rate of insurance-backed therapies, customized patient care is the best way to ensure patient retention. Let’s take a look at some of the top six tips that can help improve the orthopedic patient experience.
Upgrade Your Business Model
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The competition in the orthopedic space is tougher than ever. With orthopedic surgeon salaries varying depending on location and demand, it is important to embrace progress. Look for resilient business models that have a higher focus on improving the overall patient experience as well as patient enablement. The more satisfied patients are, the higher surgical volumes will be.
Use a Patient Mindset
One of the best ways to improve the patient experience is by looking at things from their point of view. Orthopedic patients tend to deal with mobility complications, post-surgical pain, and difficulty with navigation. Making the practice smaller and easier to navigate can vastly improve their overall experience during each visit.
Pay Attention to Critical Indicators
There are a lot of metrics to review when managing surgical orthopedics programs. It can be difficult to keep every data point in mind so focusing on critical indicators is more efficient. Paying attention to the likelihood of a patient recommending the practice, the ability of patients to manage their pain, and the instances of complications. Paying attention to these indicators is a great way to know where to make improvements and boost patient experience levels.
Manage The Expectations of Your Orthopedic Patients
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Understanding what a patient expects and what will actually occur post-op is critical. When a patient comes in for their regular checkups prior to treatment, physicians should be clear about their recovery journey. Providing accurate information that is easy to understand and also delivered with realistic expectations will help improve patient satisfaction rates.
Enact Outcome Measures That Are Patient Completed
PROMs or patient-recorded outcome measures are a standardized way to gain insight from the orthopedic patients themselves. They will provide accurate feedback in real-time regarding their expectations, care, level of pain, and more. This will also help boost patient engagement as well as help improve intervention effectiveness.
Maintain Empathy
Compassion and empathy are important parts of patient care. Orthopedic treatment often involves a great deal of discomfort and a disruption of a patient’s regular schedule. Offering compassion and understanding during each part of their journey will improve their experience dramatically.
Better Patient Care in Orthopedics
In the past increasing the amount of time spent in the office and hiring more staff was the only way to improve patient care. Now, focusing more on the patient experience and providing comprehensive care can result in higher rates of patient satisfaction. The orthopedic patient experience is never easy, but with the suggestions above, your patients will feel more confident and capable after each office visit.