Providing a high standard of patient care should be a non-negotiable for healthcare providers. But in recent years, there have been several challenges that are affecting standards of care, and patient trust.
According to patients, some of the biggest problems facing the healthcare system in the US include the cost of accessing treatment (55%), not enough staff (33%) and access to treatment (29%). Meanwhile, the view of the quality of US healthcare is at a 24-year low.
With impressions of healthcare overwhelmingly negative, the spotlight is on businesses to deliver better services and improve patient care. Is your healthcare practice getting it right? It could be time to make some changes.
The barriers to better healthcare
The recent pandemic, followed by a cost of living crisis and economic strain have all presented key challenges that prevent healthcare organizations from delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Some of these barriers include:
High cost of care
Costs are rising in many areas, including interest rates, food, transport and energy. Healthcare is no exception, with Americans paying much more for healthcare in 2024. As a result, many patients are avoiding or forgoing treatments they desperately need because of financial concerns.
Staffing shortages
A shortage of nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals means patients face increased waiting times and reduced quality of care. The shortages are also causing remaining workers to experience burnout, affecting both staff wellbeing and patient experiences.
Poor care coordination
Patients can experience gaps in care due to poor communication and coordination between providers. Inconsistent use of electronic health records can cause delays, inaccuracies and possible diagnostic issues. This can lead to patients abandoning their care, or seeking out competitive services in the hope of better outcomes.
Difficulty in accessing services
The quality of care can vary depending on a patient’s location, with rural communities, in particular, facing difficulties accessing services and treatments. Language barriers can also present challenges to patients, who may struggle to access the services they need confidently.
Outdated technology
Staying up to date with technology is important in healthcare, allowing for better patient management, diagnostics and advanced systems such as telemedicine. Outdated systems not only leave providers behind, but they could also pose a cybersecurity risk, putting patient data at risk. Financing can be one reason behind this, although resistance to change is another issue preventing healthcare organizations from upgrading their technology.
Strategies for improving patient care
While healthcare has its challenges, there are several ways that practices and providers can improve patient care. From making services more accessible to sliding scale fees, finding solutions to the ongoing challenges could help ensure patients benefit from improved care, while also making services more efficient, with potential cost savings for providers. Some of the ways this could be made possible include:
Make services more accessible and reduce costs
Healthcare providers can take several steps to make services more accessible and affordable. Starting with scalable fees, providers can help make services more affordable for those in need, avoiding a one-size-fits-all cost structure. Expanding provision to include telehealth services and tightening administrative processes can also help reduce costs while making services more accessible. This can also give patients greater flexibility over their care – avoiding some of the barriers such as work and travel that can make ordinary appointment times difficult to make.
Make the most of technology
Technology can be used to enhance patient care in several ways. Using digital tools, such as patient portals and mobile apps, can help improve communication, and appointment scheduling , and even provide access to medical records – making it easier for patients to take charge of their health.
A patient-friendly website can also have its advantages, making it easier for patients to book appointments, access service information, manage prescriptions and more. Patients are used to managing different aspects of their lives through technology, and effective technology can help them take a more active role in their health, with better outcomes for patients and providers.
Focus on coordinated care
Better coordination of patient services can tackle some of the key challenges to better care, including reducing delays, better accuracy and maintaining continuity. Improving collaboration among healthcare providers, by using shared systems and software, could make a huge difference in the quality of patient care, making processes much smoother and maintaining professional standards.
Improve staff training and retention
Staffing is a major concern for many healthcare providers, with shortages and staff wellbeing having a huge impact on the quality of care provided to patients. Organizations that can invest in their staff through better training and other initiatives can help develop a stronger, happier workforce that can provide higher standards of care. There are several interventions that could be made to help improve staff retention, including:
Better onboarding
A structured, comprehensive onboarding process can help new workers integrate smoothly into the healthcare environment, ensuring they start out in their roles feeling confident and supported. Mentorship schemes and hands-on training are some of the things that can be implemented from the beginning to support new employees. Regular check-ins can also help monitor progress and identify any issues and challenges at an early stage.
Training and development
Organizations can improve staff retention by providing learning and development opportunities that help enhance skills and professional growth. This not only allows employees to progress in their careers, but ensures they have the knowledge and skills to provide better care to patients. Training and development opportunities can also help reduce stress and burnout, limiting the absences that can affect patient care.
Social support
The healthcare industry relies on collaborative and supportive ways of working, and organizations can help improve workplace morale by introducing social support. This can include peer support programs, mental health initiatives such as access to counseling, and wellness programs. Staff recognition programs can also help boost motivation, increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
Improving the work environment
A positive work environment can have a direct impact on employee wellbeing and performance. Maintaining staffing levels is one way to help improve care and reduce day-to-stay stress, while flexible scheduling options could help employees enjoy a better work/life balance. Team building can also help employees work better together, leading to a better work environment that can be reflected in higher standards of patient care.
Technological investment
Investing in the right technology can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction and wellbeing. It can make healthcare professionals’ jobs easier, freeing up time and energy to focus on patient care. From adopting electronic health records to using AI-based tools, there are different systems that can be introduced to help lighten the load.
More effective recruitment
Staff retention begins with hiring the right people. Improving recruitment practices could help recruit employees that are better skilled, more engaged and less likely to leave after a few months or a year. From targeted hiring practices to competitive salary and benefits packages, organizations can help set themselves apart from other employers to ensure they hire the best of the best.
Finding the right employees isn’t just about finding the right skills match. Many employers are focusing on company culture and ensuring that prospective employees are the right ‘cultural fit’ to help them thrive in their new workplace. A greater emphasis on promoting workplace culture and values could help drive interest from applicants who are thinking beyond salary and benefits when it comes to finding a job.
Purchase advanced equipment
Technology is constantly improving patient care, which is why it’s important healthcare providers invest in advanced equipment and technology that can provide better standards of care to patients. From investing in Type I Ambulance vehicles to advanced diagnostic equipment, better equipment can help reduce response and waiting times, and provide better standards of patient care. These improvements can also give providers an edge over their competitors, helping to maintain services that are constantly striving to do better.
Seek patient feedback
Better patient care should involve the patients themselves to help ensure continuous improvements. Seeking patient feedback can help identify areas to improve, and address some of the key challenges they face in accessing healthcare. While some areas for improvement will be obvious, such as a lack of appointments or high care costs, other issues might not become apparent until patients are engaged with directly. Fixing some of the smaller issues can provide organizations with some quick wins to improve patient care while working on longer-term improvements.
Maintaining high standards of patient care is a persistent challenge for healthcare organizations. It’s a process that requires continuous investment in staff, technology and improvements to services to help address barriers and focus on providing better services to patients. Better patient care begins from within, and focusing on supporting and empowering staff, streamlining process and investing in equipment and technology can help build better healthcare services that are resilient and able to cope with patient demand. Addressing these challenges will not only help your organization deliver better outcomes for patients, but could help you stand out from the competition too.
