Patient Warming Plays a Significant Role in Patient Satisfaction, Clinical Outcomes

The old adage, “The customer is always right,” has long been the mantra for those providing consumer goods and services. Whether purchasing the latest technology or dining at the newest restaurant, it has become generally accepted that customers will show their satisfaction through return visits, future purchases, or referrals.

Healthcare, however, has traditionally followed a different path. Patients became accustomed to the bland hospital food or ill-fitting hospital gowns. These “symbols” of hospital care became unpleasant realities that patients endured as part of receiving care for their conditions. Patient comfort, modesty and emotional support were secondary issues to treating disease. Outcomes outranked the patient experience.

Today, the healthcare industry is in the midst of an enormous change. The line of thinking in place for decades is quickly losing traction as consumer-directed healthcare plans and pay-for-performance reimbursement arrangements increasingly emphasize the importance of improved outcomes, patient satisfaction and the entire care experience.