Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Using patient focus groups for new patient services
J A Smith1, D L Scammon, S L Beck
1University Hospital's Program to Improve Patient Care, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
The Joint Commission Journal on Quality Improvement
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Patient input through focus groups significantly improved healthcare strategic planning. This patient-centered approach enhanced concept development, testing, and evaluation for better service delivery and quality improvement.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Engagement
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Strategic planning in healthcare often overlooks crucial patient perspectives.
- Integrating patient input is vital for developing effective healthcare services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the value of patient input in strategic planning.
- To showcase the use of focus groups in healthcare concept development, testing, and evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized focus groups for interactive planning and concept development.
- Employed focus groups for concept testing and refinement of patient services.
- Incorporated patient satisfaction and telephone surveys for ongoing evaluation.
Main Results:
- Patient input shaped three key service areas: Service Teams with Appropriate Resources (STARs), a patient services menu, and the Service Expectation Program.
- Focus groups identified themes of improved communication, respect, care coordination, and patient control.
- Dissemination of findings to management and staff facilitated data-driven improvements.
Conclusions:
- Patient input, particularly via focus groups, is essential for successful healthcare strategic planning and service development.
- A patient-centered approach enhances quality improvement initiatives and overall healthcare delivery.
- Continuous feedback mechanisms are crucial for ongoing program evaluation and refinement.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
Focusing involves centering a conversation on a message's critical elements or concepts. Focusing is valuable if the talk is vague or patients begin to repeat themselves. Sometimes, when patients are asked about their symptoms, they may go off-topic and try to tell their entire life story. Respectfully, the nurse should bring the conversation back into focus.
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
01:13Patient-centered Care
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
01:21Planning Nursing Care I
The planning phase of the nursing process helps nurses set priorities, outline patient-centered goals and expected outcomes, and tailor nursing interventions to align with the aligned care plan. Through the planning phase, the nurse applies critical thinking skills to align and develop interventions according to the patient's needs. It provides continuity of care allowing patients to receive the maximum benefit from treatment. It serves as a pilot plan for allocating individual staff to a...
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
When developing expected outcomes for a patient care plan, the nurse should adhere to the following recommendations:
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
01:26Methods of Documentation IV: Focus Charting
Focus Charting, also known as the focus charting system or "focus documentation," is a systematic documentation approach used in healthcare to organize patient information in medical records.
It typically involves three columns for recording information:
It typically involves three columns for recording information:
01:23Ethical Standards II
Ethical standards are the backbone of nursing practice, guiding nurses as they interact with patients, families, and colleagues. These standards are crucial for providing safe, empathetic care centered on the patient's needs.
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and...
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and...