Our patients and their families are an abundant source of wisdom as we navigate the stormy seas of healthcare delivery. To go it alone without their partnership is foolish and unwise.
Joseph Bianco, MD, FAAFP
Director of Primary Care, Essentia Health
Many ambulatory care settings, including clinics, are working to improve patient experience, clinical outcomes, and health equity, and to provide a better work experience for clinicians and staff. Working in partnership with patients and family members has proven to accelerate positive changes in these settings and has generated renewed energy and inspiration for those working as health care professionals.
In many ways, clinics serve as the “front door” for health care. Creating respectful, welcoming, and collaborative first impressions there can set the stage for building trust in health care.
Examples of successful programs and other tools are provided to help clinicians in ambulatory care build trust and be more effective partners with patients and families. These examples and tools can also help bring about improvement – both in patient care and at the practice or organizational level.