As the field of healthcare progresses ever further and continues to provide hospitals with the latest and greatest methods for how to improve patient-centered care, it is of the utmost importance for healthcare providers (HCPs) across the US to stay on top  of the newest hospital improvement ideas that could solve some of their biggest pain points in how to improve patient care.

 

4 Hospital Improvement Ideas That Support Improved Patient Outcomes

Below we detail four of the top hospital improvement ideas that HCPs can implement to improve their patient-centered care, helping answer questions like what can be improved in hospitals?  Or how can hospitals improve efficiency?

1. Expansion of Provider Scope

Placing regulations on a healthcare provider’s scope of practice originated from attempting to prevent practices from providing care they are unqualified to provide. However, it has recently emerged that expanding scope of practice in overall care delivery might actually be a benefit to both practices and their patients.

Because of this, these laws preventing the expansion of provider scope are beginning to be phased out. They were originally created to protect patients from being treated by doctors who were undertrained to perform certain services. However, oftentimes non-physician providers are just as qualified to perform tasks such as preventative screenings. Therefore, these laws that were originally meant to benefit patients are often preventing them from receiving more timely treatments and screenings because of arbitrary decisions. 

Several states have begun to realize that these rules are outdated and have retired them, allowing, providers the opportunity to provide an increased variation of services to their patients.

 

2. Electronic Health Recordkeeping And Documentation

Switching to using an electronic health records system rather than paper charting is one of the best hospital improvement ideas out there. Paper records pose many challenges  that EHR systems alleviate and many of them can seamlessly integrate into other healthcare technology solutions (like IRIS), which makes them a perfect addition to any hospital’s “digital toolbelt.”

Keeping only hard copies of patient records has some serious downsides, like the security of personal health information (PHI). EHR systems remedy these issues by using advanced cyber security methods, like blockchain, to protect private patient information. Furthermore, blockchain documents every change made to a file in a system, which is excellent for making sure records are correct and updated properly and frequently.

Healthcare data storage solutions are rapidly evolving, and all the solutions made available with this progress should be properly vetted by hospital systems in order to provide the highest quality of care for patients. 

 

3. Offer Online Scheduling 

Giving patients the ability to book their own appointments on their own time is one of the most helpful hospital improvement ideas on this list. Surveys show increased positive sentiment from patients surrounding the ability to book appointments with their phones, tablets, and computers. 

With online scheduling, patients don’t have to depend on anyone else to schedule their appointment. Patient scheduling technology helps patients avoid long wait times on the phone, and gives your staff time to focus on other internal matters of greater urgency.

 

4. Increased Preventative Screenings

Preventative forms of healthcare are some of the best ways to lower healthcare costs over a patient’s lifetime. Preventative screenings help catch diseases early and potentially help patients avoid surgery and/or intensive treatment plans altogether. However, getting preventative screenings to patients can be easier said than done.

The last of our healthcare improvement ideas is increasing preventative screenings for patients. One of the significant new preventative screening technologies is the ability of healthcare practices to screen for diabetic retinopathy at the point of care.

Today’s healthcare technology solutions, such as IRIS, allow for all different types of healthcare providers a solution to better serve their at-risk diabetic patients. Now, providers can expand their scope and provide holistic care. 

 

The IRIS Solution

Early detection of sight-threatening diseases is crucial to maintaining a patient’s vision and seeking a software partner that provides ongoing value is key to success from both a patient and practice level. 

IRIS partners with healthcare organizations across the nation to provide a solution for diabetic retinopathy screenings. IRIS’s solution integrates with a variety of fundus cameras, allowing you to choose the camera that fits your practice best. From in-person or virtual staff training to continuous support, IRIS walks alongside its partners to ensure their success in expanding their scope of practice. 

See how you can improve patient care, reach a 5-star HEDIS compliance, and join the fight to end preventable blindness by connecting with us today.