A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that patients respond better when they get inclusive care. In fact, it does not matter if the care comes from a person of a different race or ethnicity; the fact that the person assigned to take care is there and giving all her attention to the patient.
Traditionally, patients were thought to lean towards a preference for professionals who looked like them and talked like them but that has all changed. Perhaps it was influenced by the Internet and how it has now become easier to relate to people from other areas but this change has improved the health care system tremendously. Patients are now willing to accept diversity up close and personal.
The home health care system has also brought back the interpersonal element in caring for others. Hospitals and clinics are known to be something a little better than a bus terminal in terms of relating to patients. Interestingly, a census on the average number of patients in community hospitals from 1946 to 2014 showed that the figures dropped significantly over the years. In 1946, there was an average of 1,142 patients in any given day checked into a hospital and by 2014, this number dropped to only 564. Most Americans are choosing to go to hospitals when there is no other alternative. Given a choice, they will choose to be an outpatient or in the home health care system.
In addition, patients tend to prefer professionals who are patient and understanding; nurses who will take the time to be around those different from them.
The home care health industry has become one of the fastest growing in the country. This is because the country’s aging population is expanding every year and is expected to double in the next 4 decades.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) which is under the National Institutes of Health, the best health care professionals should possess the five core competencies. You will notice how home health care nurses are able to easily meet all 5:
- Ability to give patient-focused care including identifying, respecting, and caring for the individuality of patients, their values and preferences, and their expressed needs.
- Ability to work and cooperate with other medical professionals and family members to ensure that care provided is reliable and continuous.
- Possess the knowledge and skill to research optimum care.
- Know, understand and be able to implement safety measures, standardization, interventions, and quickly identify errors or risks in care and environment.
- Use information to improve systems and health care from the ground level.
These 5 competencies will guarantee that home care professionals will provide the best home care possible so that your family member will not feel forced to stay in a facility or hospital because of lack of options.