Healthcare institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring the best possible medical care for people. They are responsible for providing a wide range of services, from emergency care and diagnostics, to treatment and rehabilitation. In the present scenario, while we are recovering from the aftermath of the pandemic, it has become imperative for medical institutions, both government and private to set up a premier medical infrastructure of the country that stands firm on the roots of transparency, trust, unmatched care, rapid disaster management and more.
While the government and private sector have been striving to improve their facilities, more needs to be done to ensure the best care for people. It includes a myriad of aspects, along with treatment and medications, such as:
Transparency
One of the most important things that hospitals can do to offer the best medical care is to provide clear, transparent, and accurate information to patients and their families – from first contact to doctor consultation, counselling, treatment, coordination, rehabilitation, bills and other formalities. It helps people trust the care providers, on whom they can rely during their tough times. Patients should also be informed about any tests or procedures that will be performed, the expected outcomes along with the management of symptoms, side effects and post-treatment instructions.
Patient-centric infrastructure
Hospitals should have a convenient infrastructure that is easy to access and navigate. Clear signages, route maps, and other informative and communicative collaterals are to be placed at every nook and cranny so that it becomes easy for people to find the correct path to their destinations. This also includes appointing a dedicated team for patient care to address their needs and guide them throughout their medical journey.
Hospitals must also ensure the safety of patients by setting up dedicated teams for infection control, hygiene management, rapid response team for fire and other threats and more.
Respectful environment
All patients, irrespective of their ailment, background and social status deserve to be treated respectfully and given privacy. They are not just customers with bed numbers, they have an identity and must be addressed with the same. Their preferences and values should be taken into account when making decisions about treatment. Moreover, hospitals should also work to create a culture of respect and empathy among staff, fostering a positive environment for everyone.
Affordable facilities
Affordability is the one major deterrent in access to quality healthcare, as a wide section of people is unable to bear the costs of complex surgeries. Hospitals can try to implement processes, technologies and collaborations that enable them to provide quality care at reduced costs.
Technology and digitisation
The advent of technology has transformed the medical industry’s scope and capabilities. By bringing the latest modalities, hospitals are now able to provide unparalleled care to people. They also help in the seamless coordination and alignment of operations for enhanced patient care. With rapid access to reports and online data, doctors would also be able to access the patient’s medical history & current medical situation in no time and prepare a proper treatment plan even before entering the OT and starting the procedure.
Director – Sarvodaya Healthcare, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector 8, Faridabad
Empathy and support
Hospitals should make provisions for patients’ emotional and social needs. Just like our families, healthcare institutions should stand next to their patients and their families in their hours of need.
This is the time for the healthcare sector to fill all the gaps and make the best healthcare accessible to people, with institutions that provide people with comprehensive care, hope and positivity along with a new lease at a healthy life.
