American Association for Physician Leadership

Eight Principles for a Quality Healthcare Practice

AAPL Editorial Team


Dec 7, 2023


Healthcare Administration Leadership & Management Journal


Volume 1, Issue 5, Pages 215-215


https://doi.org/10.55834/halmj.3021274850


Abstract

The intricacies of the healthcare system often can feel overwhelming for patients. However, several strategies stand out among the best-run healthcare and medical practices in the United States. These can serve as guideposts for medical practice professionals fostering trust with patients and encouraging patients to have an active involvement in their care.




The intricacies of the healthcare system often can feel overwhelming for patients. However, several strategies stand out among the best-run healthcare and medical practices in the United States. These can serve as guideposts for medical practice professionals fostering trust with patients and encouraging patients to have an active involvement in their care.

  1. Patient-centric care is the bedrock of the highest-performing practices. This holistic approach considers patients as unique individuals, not just a set of symptoms. By aligning treatment plans with patients’ personal values, lifestyle, and social circumstances, the best practices can drive more positive outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. As a patient, feeling understood and respected at a personal level instills a sense of trust and confidence in the care received.

  2. Communication is another pillar in the well-run medical system. Top healthcare providers prioritize transparency and dialogue, enabling patients to make informed decisions. They keep patients updated about their diagnoses, potential treatments, and the associated risks and benefits. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and fear, allowing patients to feel more control over their health journey. The use of layman’s terms instead of medical jargon, empathetic listening, and patience in addressing queries are hallmarks of such practices.

  3. Interdisciplinary collaboration is increasingly acknowledged in excellent healthcare setups. It acknowledges the fact that a single professional cannot address all of a patient’s needs. Teams often include doctors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other specialists. They work together, pooling their expertise for comprehensive patient care. Patients, as a result, can have a unified care experience, alleviating the stress and confusion of dealing with multiple disconnected providers.

  4. Technological advancements have been embraced in modern practices to improve patient experience. From EHRs that allow seamless information transfer among healthcare providers, to telemedicine that offers remote consultations, technology plays a significant role in efficient healthcare. For patients, this means more accessible, convenient, and integrated care.

  5. Preventive care is a focus area of top healthcare practices. Rather than waiting for illness to strike, these providers advocate regular check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle adjustments to ward off potential health issues. Patients, in turn, can avoid the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of severe diseases through timely intervention.

  6. Emphasis on patient education distinguishes the best healthcare providers. They offer resources to patients to better understand their conditions and management strategies. The more informed a patient is, the more likely they are to adhere to treatment plans and make beneficial lifestyle changes.

  7. Cultural competence is recognized and valued by the top medical practices. With the diverse population of the United States, understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial in healthcare. Culturally competent providers can tailor care to a patient’s cultural beliefs, leading to higher patient engagement and satisfaction.

  8. Feedback mechanisms are essential to the continual improvement of these healthcare practices. Providers encourage patients to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions. They then leverage this feedback to refine their services, keeping the patient’s perspective central to their evolution.

In summary, the secrets of the best-run healthcare and medical practices in the United States are underpinned by patient-centered care, effective communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, technological advancement, preventive care, patient education, cultural competence, and continuous improvement. As a healthcare professional, understanding these factors can guide you and your healthcare practice to align with your patients to aid in improving clinical outcomes.

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The American Association for Physician Leadership has helped physicians develop their leadership skills through education, career development, thought leadership and community building.

The American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) changed its name from the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE) in 2014. We may have changed our name, but we are the same organization that has been serving physician leaders since 1975.

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