Replying to a complaint made me think how do we measure patient experience? Not an annual survey, limited in value, but a meaningful all-encompassing measure.
In other sectors this is valued information but how do we do it in general practice?
It should look at the whole experience along the patient journey. Measured at all the touch points and the factors at these that have an impact.
It’s not impossible, it’s something every practice can do. It can be done with a mix of survey, assessment and data. It probably looks something like this.
Pre-attendance:
Patient communication and engagement
Phone and online access
Practice hours
Appointment availability and choice
Attendance:
Premises and parking
Waiting time
Clinician manner and skills
Consultation outcome
Continuity of care
Post-attendance:
Prescription turnaround
Getting test results
FFT
Complaints and compliments
Repeat attendances
Imagine the story the results could tell. The clarity a practice would have to make decisions. The confidence it would provide patients and regulators. Tracked over time and the picture is clearer. Benchmarked with others and the opportunities to share and support are greater.
Is this how you measure patient experience?
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