Based on the results from Press Ganey surveys of hospital patients, it’s obvious that patient satisfaction tops the charts in level of importance. The assessment of these surveys is showing that beneath the surface of a displeased survey rating lays the source of negative patient experience: inefficient patient flow and operational dysfunction. As patients are becoming more engaged and aware of all the little details related to their healthcare, hospitals are realizing that it’s going to take more than skilled physicians or attentive nurses to accommodate their needs. According to a recent article in the American Medical News, implementing technology in healthcare deems to be another item high on the importance scale. Technology is serving healthcare operations in becoming more functional by ensuring accurate and efficient process flow, which in return is positively impacting those patient satisfaction scores. One of the areas in healthcare technology that is drawing a lot of attention is foodservices.
Culinary schools, like New York City’s Culinary Institute of America, are acknowledging the growing need for improved hospital food and preparing future chefs with specialized training to cook for the healthcare niche. Additionally, foodservice and nutrition software is playing a big role in the operational flow of monitoring diet restrictions, managing tray lines and administering hospital room services. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center are two perfect examples of hospitals at the top of their game when it comes to being progressive in healthcare foodservices. The Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers are another great model for adequately implementing foodservice technology in the healthcare scheme, with the utilization of menu management tools to support their VHA Healthy Diet initiatives. In their effort to meet new nutrition guidelines, VA facilities are earning high patient satisfaction scores.
Clearly healthcare technology is contributing extensively in this mission to secure patient satisfaction. More specifically, as the public becomes more health conscious, technological advancements within healthcare foodservices become further paramount for hospitals that want to be the community preferred, patient-centric healthcare provider.
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Very true, patient satisfaction is must.
Is eating a balanced diet essential for losing weight, or just to keep your heart healthy?
Eating a balanced diet is essential for both.
I disagree with some of the article. The assessment of these surveys is showing that beneath the surface of a displeased survey rating lays the source of negative patient experience: a lack of control for the patient.
We appreciate your feedback. Our aim with this topic is to recognize the significance of healthcare technology and the ways in which it contributes extensively to achieving patient satisfaction. It is not to say that we don’t realize the importance of other factors, such as healthcare management, communication strategies, etc. The Press Ganey article was right-on when they stated “Excellent communication in the absence of excellent patient flow and processes is not enough”. No, healthcare technology is not the sole solution and surely it is a collaborative effort. All said and done, it’s just a matter of perspective. Whether we look at patient satisfaction through the softer (communication) lens or view it through the tangible (operational) lens, both are necessary and valuable for the patient experience.
I believe that the most impactful, behavioral changing HCAHPS training comes from very fundamental concepts that are presented in a highly interactive and engaging manner. This patient satisfaction program uses universal examples that everyone can relate to, presented in a highly graphical format the people remember for the rest of their lives; and will use on a daily basis with other clinicians and patients alike. The breakthrough technology focuses in on fundamental barriers to communication and successful relationships in the hospital, in order to build a more positive and supportive team environment that results in substantially improved patient satisfaction scores as well a quality improvements in clinical care.