Quality of service is the cornerstone of successful orthopedic surgery. Unfortunately, one in every ten patients in high-income countries is injured while obtaining hospital care. Patient results, satisfaction, retention, acquisition, and the ROI of your practice can all be impacted by poor service. Improved service quality, on the other hand, can help your orthopedic practice expand and thrive. That is why learning how to assess the quality and take action based on that information is critical. So If you need any advice about orthopedics, you can contact with san diego knee surgeons.
How is Orthopedic Service Quality Defined and Measured?
The quality of service in orthopedics is defined and measured by the six core dimensions of quality service. It is outlined by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). These dimensions are- safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity.
Quality measures for each dimension are collected and reported by various organizations, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission, and National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Patient experience measures are often used to assess the quality of service in orthopedics. The Orthopedic Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (O-CAHPS) is the most common patient experience measure for orthopedics. It assesses patients’ perceptions of care on a scale from 0 to 10.
Outcome measures are also used to evaluate the quality of service in orthopedics. These measures assess complications, re-admissions, mortality rates, and length of stay. Process measures assess how well care is coordinated and how well patients follow their discharge instructions. Structure measures assess things like the availability of qualified staff and the facility’s physical environment. These measures are essential in assessing the quality of service in orthopedics.
How to Improve Orthopedic Service Quality
There is always room for improvement regarding the quality of service your orthopedic practice provides. Below are concrete ways to ensure you consistently deliver excellent patient care.
Standardize services
This can be done by developing and implementing evidence-based best practices. This will help you standardize care and ensure that every patient receives the same high level of care.
Use data to drive decision making
Make sure to collect and track data on all of the quality measures mentioned above. This data will be critical in identifying areas of improvement and evaluating the impact of any changes you make.
Engage your staff
Make sure to keep your staff up-to-date on all quality initiatives and changes. They should be aware of the importance of quality and how their role affects it. Please encourage them to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Pre-op planning can be done online.
If your practice has not already done so, go online for seamless pre-op prep. Having new patients fill out their paperwork online before their first appointment will save time and reduce frustration on both ends. This will also allow you to review the patient’s medical history in advance, ensuring that you are as prepared as possible for their visit.
Collect Feedback
Make it a point to collect more actionable feedback from patients. While it is helpful to know that a patient had a positive experience, it is even more helpful to know precisely what they liked about their visit. Ask them to elaborate on what made their experience positive, and encourage them to be honest about any areas where they felt the quality of service could be improved.
Implement a quality improvement initiative
Finally, take some time to review your quality measures regularly. By monitoring the data related to your practice’s performance, you can identify areas where improvements need to be made. Then, you can develop and implement strategies for addressing those issues, ensuring that your patients always receive the high-quality care they deserve.
In Conclusion
Orthopedic surgery is a delicate and essential process. However, improving orthopedic surgery service quality can mean the difference between life and death for some patients. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your orthopedic practice provides the best possible care for every patient who walks through your door.
