Make Yourself Heard: Using HCAHPS Surveys to Amplify Patient Voices
It’s no secret that the cost of healthcare in South Africa is bordering on excessive in South Africa, and when you or a loved one are critically ill...
2 min read
Smoke Customer Intelligence : 09 May 2024
It’s no secret that the cost of healthcare in South Africa is bordering on excessive in South Africa, and when you or a loved one are critically ill and emotions are high, the absolute last thing you deserve is an unkind hospital worker, doctor or nurse. This is why the South African Government embraced the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS).
South Africa, like many other countries, has a legal obligation to determine the experiences that patients have with the healthcare they receive, and with the use of HCAHPS surveys, the disparity between the expected level of care and the service received is highlighted. What’s more is that these surveys are then used by healthcare insurers to include or exclude hospitals and clinics from their network of partners, meaning that the patient voice has the power to promote or drastically reduce the number of patients in facilities.
The surveys apply to Clinics, Community Health Centres and Hospitals. Further, they are designed to be easy to use, focus on the patient experience, and should be available in all official languages.
Depending on the hospital, you may receive a short questionnaire or a survey that covers your stay in-depth, with roughly 60 questions. Know that you are entitled to ask for assistance if the survey seems difficult, and you are entitled to be honest, do not let the presence of a doctor or nurse deter you from having your say.
It’s important for you as a patient to know your rights. If you are admitted to a hospital, clinic or community health facility, and the level of expected care is not up to standard, use the HCAHPS survey to express your dissatisfaction, by doing so you’re improving the care for yourself, your loved ones and your community.
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