Introduction
The importance of patient experience cannot be overstated, especially in the healthcare industry. The inception of these groundbreaking inventions can be traced back to 1896 with the invention of the X-ray. Subsequently, in the 1960s, a seismic shift occurred with the introduction of sonar technology, which allowed scientists to send sound waves into the body (Iain, 2010). When returned to the ultrasound machine, These waves would bounce off internal structures and be transformed into images. In 1970, a pivotal breakthrough came when Dr. Raymond Damadian observed that cancerous tissues exhibited a significantly delayed signal return when traversed by these waves (Hussain et al., 2022). This discovery laid the foundation for the development of the MRI machine. On the other hand, the CT scan was created in 1979 by Godfrey Hounsfield, while MRI machines underwent testing in the early 1980s (Dong et al., 2020). Over the past three decades, this technology has revolutionized healthcare.
Medical imaging allows doctors to identify diseases at very early stages, leading to better patient outcomes. This new technology is life-changing because it enhances early disease detection and, thus successful treatment (Iain, 2010). I am the Patient Experience Officer at Sandhurst Imaging in Houston, and this proposal aims to alter the patient care journey by introducing innovative improvements. Houston, a vibrant city with diverse people and premium healthcare facilities, provides an ideal place for implementing such pioneering strategies.
Background
City Profile
Based on the US Census Bureau 2021 release of 2020 census data, Houston had a population of 2,304,580 as of April 1, 2020 (McComb, 2020). Houston is the fourth largest city in America after New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, respectively. It is the sixth most crowded city in North America. This city. It combines different cultures, races, and economic statuses. Those who know that healthcare forms a significant component of their contribution to Texas Medical Center have Houston on their minds. The largest medical complex in the world is found here in Houston, Texas, which is Texas Medical Center (McComb, 2020). This means that when it comes to patient experience and healthcare delivery, there are unique problems and opportunities due to differences between different demographic groups, such as income levels and racial makeup.
Service Profile
Modern healthcare heavily relies on imaging and radiology centers, essential in diagnosing and treating different ailments (Suetens, 2017). A good example is Sandhurst Imaging, located conveniently in Houston, a city that never sleeps and is known for having a strong presence of such services. Sandhurst Imaging offers various services, including MRI scans, CT scans, and X-rays, among other things doctors use to diagnose and treat patients accurately.
Sandhurst Imaging has strived to maintain its patient focus at all times. In addition to offering high-quality medical imaging services, the company dedicates itself to ensuring compassionate and empathetic care for anyone who walks through its doors. The staff at the center are committed to making patients as comfortable as they possibly can while recognizing that accuracy is key. Sandhurst Imaging stays ahead through the merger of new technology with humane feelings; it has become part of the fabric of Houston’s healthcare system. Their goal is not just diagnostics but also overall wellbeing and happiness for their patients.
Competitive Landscape
Houston’s competitive healthcare sector features numerous imaging centers. These range from small, specialized clinics to extensive, comprehensive medical facilities. The common thread among these centers is their focus on technological advancement and quality of service, making it crucial for Sandhurst Imaging to differentiate itself through exceptional patient experiences.
Enhancements
Recommendation 1: Virtual Reality Relaxation Rooms
To enhance the overall patient experience and alleviate anxiety, we propose the implementation of Virtual Reality (VR) Relaxation Rooms within Sandhurst Imaging. According to (Hudson et al., 2022), these innovative spaces would allow patients to immerse themselves in soothing virtual environments before their medical procedures.
Virtual Reality technology has shown remarkable potential in healthcare settings, particularly in reducing anxiety and enhancing patient comfort (Hudson et al., 2022). For individuals with claustrophobia or anxiety related to medical imaging procedures like MRI scans, VR Relaxation Rooms can be a game-changer. Patients can don a VR headset and transport themselves to serene landscapes, tranquil beaches, or any other comforting setting, effectively distracting them from the medical procedure.
By introducing VR Relaxation Rooms, Sandhurst Imaging demonstrates its commitment to diagnostic excellence and the well-being of its patients (Hudson et al., 2022). This addition aligns with the center’s mission of providing a compassionate and patient-centric experience, ensuring that individuals feel at ease and supported throughout their healthcare journey. Incorporating VR technology can set Sandhurst Imaging apart as an innovator in healthcare, fostering a more relaxed and positive atmosphere for patients while potentially improving procedure outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Recommendation 2: Personalized Patient Care Coordinators
To achieve this, we propose the introduction of Personalized Patient Care Coordinators as an essential part of the Sandhurst Imaging service (Al-Kaiyat, 2018). These coordinators will serve as a resource person for each patient throughout their medical journey. By taking such a role, Personalized Patient Care Coordinators will connect patients with healthcare systems, thereby increasing their participation and understanding. They are going to spend time on recognizing these requirements, needs and even apprehensions peculiar to a given client while tailoring healthcare experiences for him/her.
They will be informed about services offered by Sanhurst Imaging to ensure they can give comprehensive explanations or answer questions and worries of patients (Parra et al., 2019). These coordinators will always be there when anybody wants to make an appointment at the center, know about various procedures, or just talk to someone supportive. By implementing Personalized Patient Care Coordinators in their service offering, Sandhurst Imaging goes further in its pursuit of patient centeredness which enhances overall satisfaction and makes sure that patients are well cared for all through their healthcare journey (Parra et al., 2019). As a result, it would provide better experience for patients in Houston’s medical market.
Recommendation 3: Mobile App for Streamlined Services
We suggest that a dedicated Sandhurst Imaging Mobile App should be developed to facilitate convenience and accessibility in its service provision. For instance, The Sandhurt Imaging Mobile App is not just innovative but it also comes with several features that will help the patients on how to get around and interact with the center more easily (Gunter et al., 2018). This eliminates time spent waiting on the phone and inevitably leads to shorter wait times for patients.
Additionally, patients can access secure portals for their medical records through this app. This way, they have access whenever they want to see what has been done or tests that were performed. The app may also be of great assistance by offering procedure preparation guidelines that cater to the specific imaging needs of each patient. This means that there can be better preparedness before patients arrive hence reducing the bottlenecks in imaging. Besides, Sandhurst’s mobile app can as well serve as a feedback platform where patients can talk about their experiences after undergoing any procedure, make their suggestions or give a rating of how satisfied they are overall. In essence, this feedback is valuable as it enables improvement of service delivery by centering on patients’ needs (Gunter et al., 2018).
Recommendation 4: In-Clinic Wellness Programs
To create a comprehensive approach to healthcare, it is prescribed that the office includes in-clinic wellness programs such as yoga and reflection sessions (Kasban et al., 2015). These programs can significantly make strides the common prosperity of patients whereas they get their treatment. Joining yoga and reflection into clinical settings is particularly valuable for long-term treatment plans in patients. These hones are known for their helpful impacts that improve both physical, mental, and passionate wellbeing. For patients with unremitting conditions such as torment administration and progressed portability, yoga emphasizes adaptability, quality, and unwinding.
On the other hand, contemplation creates mental clarity, decreases push levels, and upgrades passionate soundness, making it a profitable apparatus for those experiencing amplified treatment plans. Besides, these healthcare programs set a supporting environment inside the clinic which cultivates community building among patients. By presenting in-clinic wellness programs, healthcare suppliers are tending to their prompt therapeutic needs as well as contributing in their long-term well-being, in this manner making healthcare more comprehensive and patient-oriented.
Recommendation 5: Community Engagement Initiatives
To assist fortify Sandhurst Imaging’s impact and nearness within the Houston healthcare scene, it is fitting to start community engagement programs. These programs ought to incorporate wellbeing instruction courses and free screening programs, which can essentially contribute to the center’s notoriety and cultivate a more significant sense of community among its patients and the broader populace. Wellbeing instruction courses can serve as a important stage to spread significant data approximately preventive healthcare, early location, and wellness hones. By organizing enlightening sessions on subjects significant to the community’s wellbeing needs, Sandhurst Imaging can position itself as a trusted source of information and bolster, fortifying its commitment to quiet well-being.
Additionally, advertising free screening programs, particularly for underserved populaces, illustrates the center’s commitment to making strides healthcare availability. Such activities contribute to early infection discovery and grandstand Sandhurst Imaging’s commitment to the community’s wellbeing past its claim interface. By propelling these community engagement activities, Sandhurst Imaging can construct more grounded connections with patients, advance wellbeing mindfulness, and set its part as a healthcare institution profoundly associated to the well-being of the Houston community.Top of Form
Conclusions
The proposed enhancements are designed to place Sandhurst Imaging at the forefront of patient-centered care in Houston. By adopting these innovative strategies, the center is expected to improve the patient experience and set a new standard in healthcare service delivery. These initiatives, backed by Houston’s diverse and dynamic backdrop, will pave the way for a more compassionate and efficient healthcare system.
References
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