Ease the Way - Gebauer Patient Comfort Blog (37)

How Can Medical Private Practices Improve Online Reviews?

By: Bethany Nock | On: September 17, 2015

You’ve heard the old adage “one bad apple spoils the whole bunch.” When it comes to online reviews for private practice physicians, this couldn’t be more accurate. Despite the glowing opinions of your most loyal patients, a few unhappy respondents can drive down your score and leave prospective new patients feeling wary.

For years, the healthcare industry has wrestled with how much credit to give review sites such as Yelp and Google Places. But today, with so many patients turning to healthcare-specific review sites like Healthgrades and RateMDs, and the growing presence of healthcare providers on Facebook, there’s no denying the importance of online reviews and social media. In fact, according to statistics provided by the Mayo Clinic Health Care Social Media List and American Hospital Association, 41 percent of people said social media would affect their choice of a specific doctor, hospital or medical facility.

So, how do you improve online reviews along with your online reputation? Here are a few of the best practices for private practice doctors:

How You Can Show Your Nurses Appreciation All Year Round

By: Julianne Filion | On: September 15, 2015

From calming anxious patients and comforting those in pain to managing complex procedures, tackling paperwork and answering countless questions, nurses are among the hardest working professionals in the industry. These everyday superheroes often sacrifice weekends, holidays and family time to care for those in need.

Call us crazy, but we think nurses deserve more than a week of appreciation. To help boost morale and improve employee satisfaction, here are a few easy ways to say “thank you!” to your nursing staff the other 51 weeks of the year:

5 Ways Hospital Administrators Can Improve Patient-Centered Care

By: Bethany Nock | On: September 10, 2015

As hospital administrators know, perhaps better than anyone, hospitals are complex organizations. Communication is a constant challenge, and it can take several months to implement even the smallest process change. After all of the paperwork, training and follow-up reviews, you may begin to question whether your amendments are truly improving the workspace, or simply adding more madness to the mayhem.

However, while failure to comply with some procedures, such as organizing supplies, may be a source of frustration, other procedures, such as those focused on patient-centered care, can have a major impact on your hospital’s success.

Here are a few ways you can improve patient-centered care in your hospital environment, and make sure it sticks.

Should Nurses Include Topical Anesthetics in IV Start Routines?

By: Julianne Filion | On: September 8, 2015

should_nurses_include_topical_anesthetics_iv_start_routines It’s one of the first procedures you learned in nursing school and, for many nurses working in a hospital environment, it can be one of the most common tasks you perform each day. IV starts have become so routine, you could probably do them in your sleep—though it’s likely frowned upon in most institutions. When it comes to starting IVs, you’re a seasoned pro.

However, while IV procedures are commonplace for most nurses, they’re often a source of stress and anxiety for your patients. Even for those without needle phobia, being stuck with a needle and connected to an IV tube can be a frightening experience. Not to mention, patient anxiety has a tendency to stress even the most calm and collected professionals.

There is a solution, though. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding topical anesthetics to your institution’s IV kits:

Everybody Hurts: Why Patient Comfort isn’t Just for Pediatrics

By: Bethany Nock | On: September 3, 2015

patient_comfort_pediatrics_everybody_hurts_ There are plenty of things that change amidst the transition from childhood to adulthood. You no longer cry when your scoop of ice cream tumbles to the concrete, for example. And, more than likely, you no longer need the security of a teddy bear nightlight to ward off bad dreams. However, just because you’re paying your own bills and willingly consuming spinach doesn’t mean you’re suddenly immune to the pain and anxiety of a visit to the doctor.

There’s a common misconception in the medical world that adults don’t need to be numbed before a vaccination, or talked through an IV start, because they’re mature and experienced enough to simply “deal with it.” However, though they may not feel it appropriate to voice their concerns, adults can benefit from comfort measures just as much as children.

Here are three reasons healthcare providers should consider increasing patient comfort measures for adults, too: