Showing posts with label Healthcare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Healthcare. Show all posts

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Small Clinic Improvements: What to Do for Patients

 


In a small clinic, ensuring that patients have a positive experience is crucial to the success of the healthcare facility. Patients with a good experience are likelier to return and recommend the clinic to others. On the other hand, patients who have negative experiences may never return and may leave negative reviews online or via word of mouth.

A study by the Beryl Institute found that patients with positive experiences were three times more likely to recommend the facility to friends and family. Furthermore, patients with negative experiences were likelier to switch providers or leave negative reviews, which can significantly impact a clinic's reputation and revenue.

Several strategies can be implemented to improve patient experiences in a small clinic. Here are a few of them.

Improved Communication


Effective communication is critical in any healthcare setting; small clinics are no exception. Improving communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential to enhance the patient experience and build trust between the two parties. Patients who feel listened to and understood are more likely to be satisfied with their care and recommend the clinic to others.

Clinicians can improve patient communication by providing precise and concise information about their health condition, treatment options, and medication management. Moreover, healthcare providers should understand their patients' cultural backgrounds to avoid misunderstandings or miscommunication.

Overall, effective communication is a critical factor in building long-lasting relationships between healthcare providers and patients. Patients who feel heard and understood are more likely to comply with their treatment plans, which can lead to improved health outcomes. Therefore, small clinics should enhance communication skills between healthcare providers and patients to provide the best possible care and improve patient satisfaction.

Integration of Technology


In addition to improving communication, small clinics can enhance the patient experience by integrating technology into their healthcare systems. Technology can provide patients with convenient access to healthcare services and ensure that the clinic operates efficiently. Here are some examples of how technology integration can enhance the patient experience:

Telehealth Services

Telehealth services offer patients remote access to medical consultations, allowing them to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. This technology is especially beneficial for patients who live in remote areas, have mobility issues, or require frequent check-ups. Small clinics can reduce appointment wait times and improve patient convenience by offering telehealth services.

Electronic Health Records

Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients' medical records, which provide healthcare providers with access to comprehensive patient information. EHRs allow healthcare providers to quickly retrieve patient information, manage medication, and track their health conditions. This integration can improve patient outcomes by minimizing the risk of medication errors and facilitating better communication between healthcare providers.

Online Appointment Management

Small clinics can improve patient convenience by implementing online appointment management systems. Patients can easily book, reschedule, and cancel appointments online, reducing the need for phone calls or in-person visits. By streamlining the appointment process, clinics can also reduce wait times, improve patient satisfaction, and optimize the use of resources.

Patient Portals

Patient portals allow patients to access their medical history and test results and contact healthcare providers on an online platform. These platforms give patients greater control over their healthcare, enabling them to take a more active role in their treatment. Small clinics can also improve patient engagement, communication, and satisfaction using patient portals.

Technology will constantly evolve, and small clinics must stay up-to-date to ensure they are offering the most effective services. By integrating technology into their operations, small clinics can provide patients convenient access to healthcare and improve patient satisfaction.

Updating Equipment

Small clinics should also ensure their clinical laboratory equipment is regularly updated and well maintained. Outdated or malfunctioning equipment can lead to inaccurate results, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Upgrading lab equipment to the latest standards helps improve patient care by providing timely and accurate test results.

You can partner with a medical equipment supplier to acquire your clinic's latest laboratory and diagnostic equipment. Moreover, regularly inspect your equipment and ensure it is working well. Doing so can ensure that your small clinic provides the highest quality of care and enhances the patient experience.

Final Thoughts

By following these strategies, small clinics can improve their patients' experiences and create a positive impression of their facility. Improved communication, integration of technology, and updated clinical laboratory equipment are all essential steps to achieving better patient outcomes and satisfaction with healthcare services.

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Medical debt can considerably burden individuals and families worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia. As healthcare costs continue to grow, more and more people are struggling with medical debt in the region. This particular region can struggle when it comes to medical bills. Here's what you need to know about it.

Southeast Asian Medical Debt

Debt is common for many people in the region, but it's particularly burdensome for those who experience health issues. Healthcare is often expensive and out of reach for Southeast Asian citizens, leading to debt that can last years. Here's a look at the Southeast Asian countries with the highest average medical debt and explore ways to manage this financial burden.

Indonesia

Indonesia has the highest average medical debt in Southeast Asia, with an estimated average of 31% of annual income spent on healthcare expenses. Certain provinces such as Bali and Java spend a lot more on their healthcare, with an over 180% increase in these provinces. This can be attributed to the low coverage of the country's public health insurance and the absence of comprehensive financial protection schemes. As a result, many Indonesians use their savings or borrow money to pay for medical expenses.


Philippines

The Philippines follows closely behind Indonesia, with an average of 27% of an individual's annual income spent on medical expenses. It's estimated that Filipinos spend about PHP 9,000 (nearly $200) annually on medical bills. While the country's national health insurance program, PhilHealth, aims to make healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone, the reality is that many Filipinos still struggle with covering their medical bills due to the high out-of-pocket costs for hospitalization, medicines, and procedures.

Vietnam

Vietnam has an average medical debt of 22% of its annual income. While the country has made significant progress in expanding health insurance coverage and reducing the burden of healthcare costs, many Vietnamese still face difficulty paying for healthcare services, particularly those in rural areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited.

Malaysia

The average medical debt in Malaysia is around 6% of annual income, which is lower than the other countries on this list but still a significant financial burden for many. The high out-of-pocket expenses, especially for specialist care, and the rising cost of private medical care are some factors contributing to Malaysians' increasing medical debt.

Thailand

In Thailand, the average medical debt is around 4% of annual income, one of the lowest in Southeast Asia. However, with healthcare costs rising rapidly, particularly for chronic diseases and aging-related conditions, many Thais still struggle with medical debt. Additionally, the country faces a significant challenge with debt due to costs incurred by tourists and foreigners.

Tips in Paying Your Medical Bills

Managing medical debt is a significant concern in Southeast Asia, and these countries have some of the highest average medical debts in the region. However, there are ways you can prepare for these medical bills or even be able to pay for them outright. Here are some tips you need to know.


Improve Your Credit Score

The first tip is to improve your credit score. A good credit score will give you access to more financial options and make paying off your medical bills easier. Consider taking out a loan or looking into other financing options to help manage healthcare costs. Moreover, it's important to use the right credit scoring system in your region. This should help you get better terms and interest rates when applying for a loan.

Look Into Health Insurance

Another tip is to look into health insurance. Many countries in Southeast Asia offer public or private health insurance programs that can provide financial protection for medical bills. Make sure to do your research and compare various plans available so that you can choose the best option for your needs.

Seek Financial Assistance

Finally, seeking financial assistance is essential if you are struggling with medical bills. Various foundations and other organizations offer financial aid for those in need. Many hospitals also have charity programs to help you pay for medical expenses. It's worth looking into these options to see if they can help you manage your medical debt.

Medical debt is a massive burden for many people in Southeast Asia, but with the right strategies and resources, it's possible to manage it and ultimately pay off your bills. Make sure to do your research when it comes to health insurance plans and look into other financial assistance options available so that you can manage your medical debt more effectively.

Friday, February 17, 2023

New Health Management Technologies for Chronic Care

 

CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

The field of medicine is always changing. Today, there are many easy-to-use health management technologies that can help you get better treatment. And clinics all over the world are eager to adopt new ways of helping patients just like you. Here are a few of the best.

Internet-Based Management Systems

These are called Health Information Management Systems (HIMS), and they can help you take better care of your health. For example, you can look at all of your test results and your medical records online. This information is also used by other systems, like those that let you order prescriptions online and talk to your doctor through secure messaging platforms. You can also make appointments with your doctor, which will save you time and cut down on phone calls.

Wearable Tech Devices

Wearable devices, like smartwatches and fitness trackers, can help you track how active you are, how fast your heart beats, and how you sleep. This technology can also help you learn more about your condition and make changes to your life that will help you feel better. For example, wearable tech can give you information about how you sleep and track changes that happen while you sleep. This can help a lot if you have a long-term problem, like high stress.

Health Management Technologies Includes AI

At the moment, 40% of the market share for artificial intelligence (AI) systems comes from the medical field. One of the main reasons is that AI can help doctors look at a lot of patient data and find patterns and trends that might not be obvious at first glance. Using this information, your doctor can then make better decisions about your care. They may also possibly be able to find new ways to treat any long-term illnesses you have by using combined data systems.

Telemedicine Platforms

During the COVID-19 lockdown, more people used platforms for telemedicine. It lets you talk to clinicians from a distance, so you don't have to go to a healthcare facility. This technology can be especially helpful if you have a long-term condition that needs to be checked and tracked regularly. They can also be used to teach you about your health and give you support. This can potentially help you to learn more about your condition and get better at taking care of it.

Remote Monitoring Systems

These systems let doctors check on things like your vital signs, blood sugar levels, and how well you take your medications remotely. On your end, they are helpful because they help you take care of conditions more effectively and let your GP know if they need to step in sooner. One of the best ways to use it is to keep an eye on the hearts of people with long-term heart disease. Using real-time data, they can alert emergency services to life-threatening issues as they arise.

Summary

There are many health management technologies being rolled out globally across medicine. These include HIMS services, medical artificial intelligence, and remote monitoring systems.

Friday, October 14, 2022

Essential Preventive Care Tips For All Ages

There are medical conditions that different age groups are prone to. While focusing on specific age groups is necessary, it fails to throw more light on conditions that any person can develop regardless of age. Preventive care is necessary for your health care. Unfortunately, only 8% of the population undergo preventive health screenings. Below are some preventive care tips for all ages.

1. Check your blood sugar levels regularly


According to diabetesatlas.org, 537 million adults worldwide have already been diagnosed and are on medications to control blood sugar levels. In another breath, 1.1 million children live with the condition, and most were diagnosed by age twelve. Pubmed.com reports that 135 million older adults from 65 to 99 have had their diabetes diagnosis for at least ten years. The breakdown here is to give you a fair idea of the age distribution of diabetes mellitus across all age groups. According to medical research, genetics make some people predisposed to the condition. 

Moreover, being a lifestyle disease, physicians believe that certain choices increase the risk of developing diabetes at some point in life. For example, some food choices, lack of exercise, and other human-controlled actions can result in diabetes. For people interested in preventive care, diabetes must be top of your list of regular screenings. It is better to live knowing your status than to be caught unawares. Sometimes, regular screening can detect pre-diabetes blood sugar levels. At this stage, you can take proactive steps to avoid developing this health condition.

2. Oral care

Oral care cuts across all age groups and the conditions associated with poor dental health are the same for kids and adults. Although older adults are more prone to periodontitis, children can get it too. The objective here is to take extra precautions to avoid causing irreparable damage to your gums and entire dentition. Preventive oral care includes brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and honoring dental appointments. Indeed, a bulk of preventive oral care rests with you even before the dentist comes into the picture. 

Preventive oral care means not waiting until there is tooth pain, a chipped tooth, or receding gums before booking a dental appointment. Sometimes, visiting the dentist is not entirely about treating caries or conducting root canal therapy. It can be a cosmetic procedure to boost your confidence and brighten your smile. In that case, you can book an appointment at places like Mark Jefferies Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for this. Preventive oral care can save your dentition well into the golden years.

3. Know your blood pressure values


If you thought this health condition affected only adults, you thought wrong. High blood pressure can happen in kids for the same reason adults develop it. Excess body weight, lack of exercise, and poor lifestyle choices are often the predisposing factors. Unfortunately, it often goes undetected in children because many parents miss the signs. Frequent headaches, persistent nausea, blurry vision, and nosebleeds are symptoms people do not connect with pediatric hypertension.

In adults, some people may never know their status until the disease progresses. At that stage, unpleasant symptoms often prompt people to seek medical care. Fortunately, you can stay in touch with your blood pressure if you check your numbers regularly. Thankfully, BP monitors are home medical devices that can be used outside a professional healthcare setting. It makes it easy and convenient to check your blood pressure anywhere.

Preventive care is an important area of healthcare you cannot push to the back burner. The more attention paid to it, the higher the chances of healthier living.

Friday, September 30, 2022

Take Care of Your Health and Wellness This Winter

Taking care of your health and wellness this winter is essential, and takes on even greater prominence due to the potential cost of living crisis many will face. It is important that you do as much as you can to think about the key ways of achieving this, and being able to look after yourself effectively this year is going to lead to better quality of life, as well as improving your health and happiness.

The great news is that these days there are more opportunities than ever to take care of your health and well-being. You need to think about the different ways of achieving this, as well as the areas of your life that you need to look at improving if you want to be happier and healthier. Here are some of the best ways of being able to achieve this, and it is important to make sure you focus on the right ways of doing this. 

Stay in shape

Staying in shape, and keeping fit during the winter months can prove to be challenging, particularly if you typically go out running or cycling in order to keep fit. However, there are a few ways in which you can maintain an active and healthy lifestyle even during the winter. One of the key things to consider here is the fact that you can still attend the gym, and you can develop a strong and effective workout routine from the comfort of home. This is something that you need to try to make the most of right now, and there are a lot of things that can play a role in taking your health and wellness to the next level.

Stay on top of your mental health

In the winter, the days are short, the nights are long and drawing for earlier, and it can be very easy to get inside your head, and become miserable, anxious, or depressed. The winter can be a tough time for mental health, and this is why it’s important to come up with ways of effectively managing mental health challenges this year. You have to understand the best ways of being able to do this, and there are a lot of things that you need to make the most of right now. When you’re trying to focus on improving your mental health, you have to think about the challenges you face, and what you can do to ease the mental burden you might be facing. Talking to people about how you’re feeling, as well as avoiding things that can negatively impact your mental health is hugely important. 

Attend all of your medical health check-ups

If you haven’t already, then you want to make sure you’re attending all of your medical health check-ups. From seeing your eye doctor to finding an ear doctor near me, it’s necessary to get all of these medical check-ups ticked off the list annually.

Should there be any need or concern to see a health professional sooner, it’s better to get in touch than to avoid the situation and hope it gets better.

Lose weight

Over the winter months it can be very difficult to maintain the weight you want, especially with things like Thanksgiving and Christmas presenting more opportunities for eating, drinking, and festive merriment. Keeping weight loss solutions in mind even during the winter can be highly effective for allowing you to lose weight and make the right decisions for the future. This is something that you need to think carefully about, and it can make a huge difference to the way your health and wellness improve this year. 

These are some of the best ways of taking care of your health and wellness this winter, and they will provide multiple opportunities for boosting health, fitness, and happiness. Try to develop a process that works for you, and that you can work around your life in the easiest way possible.

Friday, January 7, 2022

The healthcare industry is a booming one. It's been projected to grow from $3 trillion in 2016 to over $4 trillion by 2025. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts that the number of health care jobs will increase by 19 percent between now and 2024, which is three times as fast as other industries are expected to grow.

If you're considering working in healthcare, then there are several skills that you will need to develop. There's no one skill that is more important than the other; instead, it's about developing a well-rounded set of skills and abilities. It's good that things like inclusive leadership coaching and other related services are being offered to people who want to work in healthcare these days. This way, people can be sure that they have the best chance of succeeding in this industry.

Working in Healthcare

Choosing a career path is no easy task, especially if you want to work in healthcare. Many factors go into choosing the right career for you, which can change depending on your personal situation.

However, some skills will be helpful regardless of which field you choose to pursue. Here is a list of the skills needed to succeed in healthcare jobs:

  • Being able to manage and coordinate care

One of the essential skills you need working in healthcare is managing and coordinating care. This includes managing patients' care, coordinating with other healthcare team members, and making sure everyone involved is on the same page.

To be successful in this field, you need to be able to multitask and stay organized. This way, you can easily keep track of all the different aspects of a patient's care.

  • Working with people from diverse backgrounds

You also need to be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds. This means understanding and respecting different cultures, religions, and lifestyles.

To provide the best possible care for patients, you need to be able to work with everyone on the healthcare team. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and more.

By understanding and accepting diversity, you can help create a positive and welcoming environment for patients. This way, they will feel more comfortable and safe while receiving care.

  • Being compassionate and patient

You also need to be compassionate and patient. This means being able to understand and respond to the needs of patients. Sometimes, patients may be in pain or feeling anxious. They may also have a lot of questions about their care.

It's your job to listen to them, answer their questions, and provide comfort whenever possible. If you can show compassion and stay patient, the patients will feel more at ease.

  • Being able to work well in a team 

Working in healthcare means working with people-patients and other professionals alike. So you also need to be someone who can work well within a group or team setting. You should know how to communicate your ideas clearly when working together on projects or plans.

  • Having strong communication and interpersonal skills

Having strong communication and interpersonal skills is key when working in the medical field. This includes listening attentively, expressing yourself clearly, and being respectful of others. It's also important to be patient and understanding, especially when working with patients who may be stressed or frightened.

  • Being proactive 

In any career, it's always a good idea to be proactive when it comes to problem-solving. Healthcare is no exception. When working with patients, there may be times when something unexpected comes up. It's essential to have the ability to stay calm under pressure and think on your feet. This way, you can always provide the best possible care for your patients.

  • Having a good bedside manner 

One of the most important skills you can have when working in healthcare is a good bedside manner. This means being kind, compassionate, and understanding towards your patients. It's also important to communicate effectively with them, whether it be working with their families or other healthcare professionals. If you're someone who can work well in a team, this is definitely one of the best skills to have when working in healthcare.

  • Being able to make critical decisions quickly

In healthcare, it's vital to make quick decisions that are right for your patients. You should be working closely with other healthcare professionals, so it's important you can communicate effectively and work together as a team. This way, you can work together to put the best treatments and plans in place.

Taking the Challenges in Healthcare

Of course, working in healthcare means working long shifts and sometimes working through your lunch break, or other times you would usually take a break for yourself. If working well under pressure comes naturally to you, this could be another great skill for you to have when it comes to working in healthcare.

You can develop plenty of other skills to make sure you're the best possible fit for a healthcare career. The examples above are some of the most important ones.

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Getting Used To Life With A Stoma

 

A stoma is a small bag you will be given after having an ostomy operation - and it is used to help the body to divert urine and faeces out of the body if your digestive system has been compromised for any reason. 

Living with a stoma is a daunting prospect as often these will protrude from the body in the form of a small pinkish bag, and it is common for those who get a stoma for the first few months to feel a little self conscious and uncomfortable with this addition to the body. 

Today we want to take about stomas and how you can get used to living with one if you have one this year. It is not as difficult as you may think and you can absolutely live a full and happy life with one. 

Your stoma nurse 

The great thing about the process of having ostomy products on your body is the nurse. Your nurse is trained to make you feel as confident and comfortable as possible and they will talk you through what a stoma is as well as how to live your day to day life with one. Your nurse will teach you how to care for your stoma, they will help you get used to food and drink with a stoma, and how to be confident in your intimate relationships. Your stoma nurse is a brilliant resource and you should utilise them. 

Don’t be scared to ask 

When you first have a stoma installed on your body it is only natural that you may feel uncomfortable and confused. There will be a lot of questions you will have for your nurse and doctor and this is the time when you should absolutely ask as many questions as you need to to understand life from here. Never feel afraid to ask a question because the more you ask the better it will be for you in the long run. 

Find the right one for you 

There are a few different types of stoma you can have for your body and it is important that you get the right one for your needs. When choosing a stoma for yourself you have 3 different options: regular, inward, or outward. When a decision is made on a stoma it will most likely be to down to the severity of your condition and your needs. 

Clothing 

One of the hardest things for you to get used to as a stoma wearer is fashion. We all know how hard it can be to feel confident in our clothing choices on a regular day but when a stoma is added to the mix things are more complex. However you can still feel happy and confident with a stoma as long as you consider wearing clothes more suited to one. Think of flowing styles of tops and dresses and stick to low rise jeans and pants to give room to your stoma. You can still dress to impress with a stoma so don’t feel as if you have to wear baggy T-shirts and sweats all the time! 

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

What to Consider When Choosing Your Doctor

Choosing a doctor is a task that can take many forms and be done in a variety of ways. But when all’s said and done, what matters is the ability of that doctor to act in your best interests and to care for your health well. You have to have trust in them and be able to discuss problems with them when they arise, and for that to happen, they also need to be open and accessible. Here are more things you’ll need to consider when choosing a doctor.

Insurance Restrictions

The first thing you’ll probably have to think about is how your insurance situation might impact your choice of doctor. Unfortunately, this is something that has to be given thought and consideration because you might be restricted from choosing certain doctors because their services aren’t covered by the health insurance cover you currently have in place.

The Logistics of Their Practice

There are logistical things that need to be thought about as well. For example, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to get there easily enough, so the practice’s distance from your home should be taken into account. Then look at how easy it is to get appointments that suit you and how far in advance you have to book them. Things like that matter a lot.

Their Area of Specialization

Obviously, you’re going to need to find a doctor who has a particular specialization if you have specific health issues that you want addressed. Maybe that’s why you’re currently looking for a doctor, or maybe you have a chronic condition that needs to be taken into account when choosing a doctor. If you have a heart condition, for example, someone like Lindita Coku will be ideal because of their specialization.

Their General Reputation

The reputation of the doctor you consider matters as well. A doctor with a poor reputation usually has that reputation for a reason. You’ll want to make sure that their previous patients have good things to say about them and not purely negative things. Explore that reputation and even talk to previous patients of theirs if that’s something that’s possible. Personal recommendations are always valuable.

The Amount of Experience They Have

Anyone who is practicing medicine and working in the health industry has to go through a lot of training and get a lot of qualifications. However, many people prefer to work with doctors who have lots of experience and who have been practicing for a long time. That’s something that you might also want to take into account when making your decision as well.

Choosing a doctor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Nothing matters more than your health and the health of those closest to you, so when the time comes to choose a doctor, you owe it to yourself to do proper research and consider all of the things we’ve discussed here today.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

4 Reasons You Should Work In Healthcare

Picture by Voltamax from Pixabay - CC0 License
Healthcare contains a broad set of career options that could provide you with a great sense of satisfaction, accomplishment and purpose in your life. Finding a reputable educational provider is one of the elements that can ensure you gain the knowledge and experience you need to take care of others in your chosen field. But to begin with, motivation and inspiration are necessary to help you make the first step towards a career in healthcare. Below are four of many reasons why a career in healthcare is for you.

You’ll Make A Difference

Amongst police officers and firefighters, you'll be a part of the fight that preserves, protects, and treats patients from all backgrounds. With a job in healthcare, you will consistently make positive changes to people's lives for the better. If you're a people person and like to help and care for others, while diagnosing and providing solutions to health problems from homoeopathic medicine to pharmaceutical ailments, the health sector could provide you with a fulfilling career.

Respected and Appreciated

Now, more than ever, the world is appreciating the service healthcare professionals provide, particularly those in need of testing, care, and support because of COVID-19. 

Indeed, people will often remember and respect you more because of the dedication and commitment you've made to your studies whether as a doctor of nursing DNP, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or a doctor in physical therapy. Each role plays its part in improving the lives of others, and others will appreciate you for this.

Variety of Career Options

With limitless opportunities to work in healthcare, there's bound to be something that piques your interest. The title of a doctor encompasses the opportunity to specialize in a variety of fields, for example, dentistry, psychiatry, or dermatology. The same goes for nurses who may want to angle their career towards specializing in the mental healths sector, midwifery, or qualify to become an anaesthesia nurse.

On the other hand, if you like the idea of travelling, working for the armed forces could be an option. Or, rather than working directly with patients, perhaps you'd prefer a lab-based role, such as testing blood samples for infection. 

With a variety of careers in medicine and healthcare available, it's not usually a concern of whether it's the right field for you, it's more of a case of researching and selecting a specific role within healthcare that suits your personality and career aspirations.

You’ll be in Demand

Healthcare is a necessity for all to thrive and live healthy lives free from pain and physical complications, which is why roles in healthcare will always be in demand. Furthermore, providing you have the willingness to continue learning, by accepting new training opportunities and furthering your education in the healthcare sector, you'll increase your scope for promotions too.

The healthcare sector is teeming with exciting and essential roles for you to work towards and give yourself a bigger purpose in the world. From improving lives to saving them, you can be sure you'll go home each night fulfilled and proud.