Submitted by kmcochran on
A new online resource from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) will help patients, families, and health professionals work together as partners to promote improvement in care. Research shows that when patients are engaged, it can lead to measurable improvements in safety and quality. The Joint Commission was a member of the project team which developed the Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Safety and Quality, which is available at no charge.
The guide outlines four strategies hospitals can use to connect with patients and families, including:
· Encourage patients and family members to participate as advisors.
· Promote better communication among patients, family members, and health care professionals from the point of admission.
· Implement safe continuity of care by keeping the patient and family informed through nurse bedside change-of-shift reports.
· Engage patients and families in discharge planning throughout the hospital stay.