By Healthcare Facilities Today

According to an article on the Ragan's Health Care Communications News website, dead plants in the waiting room can leave patients wondering, “Will they really be able to care for me?” 

A hospital valet running over a rubber cone can send the message of  “we will be lucky to hit your vein,” upon receiving an IV. And sloppy desks around the hospital can make patients wonder how well-organized and coordinated the care that they’re about to receive is going to be, the article said

It’s all about perceptions: Even if a facility is delivering the highest quality care around it won’t necessarily seem that way if the hospital administrators aren't mindful of other areas around the facility. 

It’s as easy as taking a step back, walking the hospital with fresh eyes and a new mind set, and imagining what a patient would perceive just by looking around, the article said. Don’t leave patients second-guessing the quality care the hospital provides and don’t underestimate what patients’ perceptions can do to HCAHPS scores.

Read the article.