The transition from late teens to early adulthood is rife with challenges, transformations, and new experiences. It’s a time when adolescents leave behind the comforts of childhood and begin embracing the freedom and responsibility of being an adult. From going away to college and choosing a career path to handling finances and living away from home, it’s all a bit overwhelming. And navigating healthcare adds yet another layer of complexity to this life phase.
Stress is a normal part of life. In moderation, stress can be good for you! It affects everyone, no matter what your profession, if you are on the job or at home. According to a study printed in a National Institute of Health (NIH) publication, healthcare professions are among the most stressful professions. Healthcare professionals are responsible for the care given to many generations of patients from birth to geriatrics. There are many decisions to be made while giving that care, and the actions (or lack of actions) taken by clinicians can have life-changing effects on their patients. Definitely stress inducing!
Over the past few years, healthcare professionals have begun using the term patient-centered care to describe a growing number of processes and activities. Because the term has become more pervasive, it can be challenging to decipher exactly what patient-centered care means, what it encompasses and, most importantly, how you can create a more patient-centered experience within your healthcare organization.
As an experienced healthcare professional, you know providing a positive experience is crucial for earning a patient’s trust, regardless of their age. But when it comes to treating pediatric patients who are just beginning to associate the hospital environment with feeling pain, establishing trust is even more critical.
Since the early 2000’s, lack of handwashing has been targeted as a main cause of spreading infections. Over the years, Joint Commission has required organizations to develop and implement hand hygiene programs. As of January 1, 2018, the Joint Commission has decided to take another step to ensure hand hygiene is top of mind while providing direct patient care. Surveyors will now cite a deficiency to a hospital if they see any individual failing to perform hand hygiene.
