Today, there is a movement to ensure the patient is the center of the healthcare team. As a seasoned healthcare professional, I took this for granted and it was not until I was a patient that I understood why this is so important. I then realized that the concept has not been widely adopted in our complex system. Today, reimbursement by payers such as Medicare and commercial insurers are pushing this concept and providing incentives for providers and organizations to ensure that this culture change is put into practice. Providers and organizations not focusing on patients and their needs often pay penalties.
As the industry adopts this patient-centered mantra, professionals are taught the concepts throughout hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home healthcare agencies, skilled care facilities, and physician practices. Topics such as patient engagement, patient- and family-centered care, and patient-directed care are being presented at national conferences, in healthcare journals, social media sites, and other venues to help raise awareness for every healthcare team member.
Unfortunately, the patient and the family are not getting the same educational opportunities. Today there is an expectation that the patient and their family be active participants in their care, but there is limited education on what this means and how the patient should play out this role. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I created this blog to provide information to patients, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals can use to fill in some of the gaps, empower patients to be active in their care and provide the tools and resources needed to be successful. The ultimate goal is to make your healthcare experience as safe and positive as possible.
This week, I will explain the various professionals and people who make up the overall healthcare system; I will explain the role they play and the importance your input and collaboration make throughout your journey.
Something to think about:
As you read along, think about your own team and how they were or have been influential in your care. Ask yourself some questions:
- Did you feel comfortable talking with your team members and learning about your condition/plan of care?
- Did you feel that you received answers that helped you participate in your own plan of care as a member of the team?
- Were you satisfied with your team, or do you wish they were more responsive to your needs and goals?
- Do you feel the team took the time to get to know the challenges you and your family and/or advocates were facing?
- Did you have a ‘go-to person’ responsive to you and your family? Who was it, and did you feel they were helpful?
So that others can learn, please leave a comment regarding these questions in the box below so we can get a feel for how you and your team worked together.
One example that stands out for me that drove home the concept of patient-centered care came when a nurse came into my room one morning and asked me what my goals were for the day. Her question surprised me as I had not been asked that in the past. I was able to come up with a few things I was worried about and questions that I had about my care. As we discussed these things and my goals, she noted them on the whiteboard in my room. This allowed me to keep them in mind, and when the team came to examine me, I could point to those goals/questions and get answers and clarification. This exercise allowed me to be an active team member for the first time as I realized from this exercise that my opinion mattered. As a result, I decided to keep a journal of my questions to have them handy for my team.
The following are the members of the healthcare team. Each has a specific role that is meant to complement the other team members to ensure that safe, quality care is provided for the good of the patient.
Each team member should know the role and function of his or her team members, including you (the Patient and the family).
Captain of the Healthcare Team:
Physicians: The Physician’s role is to diagnose and treat. He or she is responsible for the patient and directs the healthcare team.
Physicians can play various roles:
The Primary Care Physician is your family doctor, overseeing your general care and investigating problems. Most Primary Care Physicians will refer you to a specialist if a complex problem requires targeted treatment. It is important to keep in touch with your primary as you progress through your care so they are aware and can intervene as needed. If your primary does not come to the hospital where you are being treated, ask your treating physician to send all reports to them so they can be aware of what was done in the hospital and what the plan of care is so when you return to them so they will be up to date. You should also ask for copies of the discharge summary and physician notes detailing your binder care. Sharing the binder will help your primary be aware of the care you received and where he/she will take over.
Specialists: These are physicians who have studied and focused their careers in a specific area, such as a pulmonary disease, orthopedics, or cancer. Once referred to a specialist, look at his or her credentials and where he or she went to school and did research. This will help you know about their background and expertise in treating your condition. In addition, you should also check with your insurance company to ensure the specialist is part of your insurance network. Most insurance companies are part of a managed care network today. Ensuring that specialists or the hospital you are referred to is part of the network is critical. Depending on your insurance company, you may be responsible for full or partial payment if they are not in the network. Most physician offices and hospitals will check this for you before you receive treatment, but in the end, you are responsible for payment, so don’t be afraid to ask. Most insurance companies have websites that allow you to see what providers are in your network. So when you are given the name of a specialist, visit the website to ensure they are part of the network. If you have not been on your insurer’s website, visit it as a wealth of information will help you be an informed patient. To ensure care coordination, your specialist should send a report to your primary care doctor so he or she is aware of the plan of care and how it intersects with other health issues you might have. Again, request a copy of this report for your records and place it in the binder for future reference.
Emergency Department Physicians: Most hospitals have an emergency department. The doctors who work in this department are trained in emergency medicine and evaluate you to determine if you need to stay in the hospital or if you can go home. If you have to stay, the physician will call your primary doctor to communicate his or her updates and concerns. If you are admitted, the doctor caring for you should visit you and discuss the care plan within a certain amount of time. Once you leave the emergency department, you will not see this physician again but will be cared for by your primary doctor, the hospitalists, or your specialist until your discharge.
Hospitalist: A hospitalist is a physician who works for the hospital and cares for patients while they are in the hospital. This ensures that patients are seen in a timely manner and provided treatment for their conditions. This has taken the burden off the primary care physician. Their practices are often very busy, and they don’t have time to go to the hospital. The hospitalist can write orders and manage patients. The Hospitalist is on duty 24 hours per day, seven days per week, so if a problem arises, they can see the patient right away. The downside of involving the hospitalist is that the primary care doctor is not directing care during the hospital stay, which can cause discord or confusion in treatment. Again, this is where your binder of notes will be helpful– be sure to obtain the physician’s progress notes and discharge summary once you are ready to leave the hospital.
Residents: Large medical centers with associated medical schools typically help to teach and train residents, interns, and medical students. Residents are medical school graduates who have completed an internship and are working in a hospital, clinic, or other setting to gain expertise and experience in a specific area of focus. They traditionally work under the direction of the attending physician. Most residents choose programs in a specialty area and use the time to gain experience in their chosen field. They also will have a medical license, so they can practice independently.
Interns: A physician is technically an intern after completing medical school. Depending on the program, an intern usually works under the direction of the resident and/or attending physician. Interns are not licensed, so they cannot practice independently.
Medical Students: Men and women who are actively in school and training to be physicians are medical students. They follow a specific course that includes theory as well as practical time. They observe or take care of patients but under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.
The Core Healthcare Team
Pharmacists: Pharmacists are regarded as medication experts. They protect the public by ensuring drug safety. Pharmacy care aims to maximize positive healthcare outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life with minimum risk. Today, pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program to practice. They also must be licensed within the state where they live. The Pharmacist works with your physician to determine the medication needed to treat your condition. A pharmacist also will work with the patient to reconcile their medications once they leave the hospital and move to the next level of care. This can help prevent the duplication of medications which can cause serious harm. Pharmacists are trained to recognize medications that might not go together and cause an interaction that can make you sick. Pharmacists can work in the hospital, other inpatient settings, or a retail store, like Walgreens, CVS, or other stores where you can pick up your prescriptions. Talking to your pharmacist if you have a question about your medication is a good thing as they can review all of your medical care and speak with the physician ordering the medication if they see a problem. When I was a patient in the hospital, the pharmacist was a key member of my healthcare team and kept my husband and me updated on my care plan. He was able to answer our questions about procedures and the various medications I was getting. He took the time to explain things and to help us better understand my care.
Nurses: Nurses are the heart and soul of the healthcare team and are charged with caring for patients and their families. Nurses have various duties in the hospital and can range from the Directors of their unit, charge nurses on certain shifts, medication nurses, and staff nurses who are assigned patients for daily care. The nurse’s duties vary according to their expertise and the unit they work on. Today, most hospitals hire registered nurses to provide care for patients. Still, licensed practical nurses work in hospitals, rehabilitation settings, and long-term care facilities.
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP). An ARNP is a registered nurse with additional training and certification to specialize in family practice, geriatric care, pediatrics or women’s health. Depending on the State, the ARNP can work independently or under the direction of a physician. If they are independent, they can write prescriptions on their own and direct care. Many have private practices and see patients independent of a physician. As many physicians retire, the ARNP is filling gaps in primary care.
Nurse Aides are important members of the healthcare team and provide hands-on care, including taking vital signs, bathing, making beds, feeding patients, and other non-clinical duties. Nurse’s aides are not licensed, so they have to have a registered nurse oversee the care they provide. Patients and their families many times see the nurse’s aide more than the nurse, and many times confide in them. The nurse’s aide can liaise with the nursing team and help the patient and their family better understand how the floor works and who you can contact if you have questions or concerns.
The Trouble Shooters of the Healthcare Team
Case Manager/Care Managers/Nurse Navigators/Patient Advocates: These are professionals who are in place to assist patients as they transition through the healthcare system. These professionals can work in the hospital, at your managed care organization, through your employer, in your physician’s office, or be hired directly by the patient and their family. They are in place to see that your care plan meets your needs and that the resources you need to manage your care are in place. They work with you and are your connection to the healthcare team. You can call on them any time and ask them any questions. They understand the organization’s workings, the managed care system and how to access resources that can be important for you and your family. I often hear patients and their families say they don’t want to ask questions or make a complaint because they fear this will be held against them. No patient or family members should be afraid to raise a question or make a complaint. Your input is important in preventing errors and ensuring that your care meets your goals. These troubleshooters should be sought out to help you with problems, discharge needs, or understanding what is happening regarding your care.
Social Workers: are professionals who have expertise in helping you find the resource and support systems to meet your needs. Social workers work closely with the case manager and other team members to ensure you can move from one level of care to the next in an organized and safe manner. They can also help you find financing for your healthcare if needed through the various social systems in place.
Discharge Planner: Many organizations have a discharge planner who will work with your family to ensure you have the resources to go home. You should let them know your needs, and they can help put into place services, durable medical equipment, medications, and other things that will help you be safe. Discharge planners work with the Case Manager and Social Workers. In some smaller hospitals, the discharge planner may be the case manager or social worker. In larger hospitals, they may be independent of each other. If you cannot go home due to your condition, they will help your family know the type of facility that best meets your needs. You and your family will be given choices so you can visit them to see which facility you want to visit. They can also help coordinate home care, such as nurses’ aides, if you need help at home. Your insurance, long-term care policy, or private might cover many services. Take time to review all of your options. I will cover insurance in a future post.
Therapists: Therapists are specialty-trained professionals who can work with you to help you improve your function. Hence, you are as independent as you can be after an injury, a stroke, or complications from a chronic condition that impacts your activities of daily living. The types of therapists you may see include physical, occupational, speech/cognitive, and respiratory therapists. Each has a role and will work with your healthcare team to assist you in your recovery. You may see them in the hospital, an outpatient setting, a rehabilitation hospital, a nursing home, or your home. Feel free to ask your therapists questions that you might have about your plan of care. If they can’t answer it, they will refer you to who best addresses your question.
Behavioral Health Professionals: today, it is recognized that patients need to be treated holistically for their medical and behavioral health issues. Psychologists and Psychiatrists see patients assist them as required, and provide a therapeutic environment where they can ask questions and discuss challenges they face as they recover and adjust to medical and behavioral health issues.
Administration: each hospital has an administration department that operates the hospital or organization. This is where the leadership of the organization can be found.
Various departments comprise the administration, each responsible for running a specific part of the organization. Administrators ensure that the organization adheres to federal, state, and accreditation standards to ensure the care provided is safe and focused on the patient’s needs. If you have a complaint or an issue with the organization, this is where you would go to voice your objection. They will usually have a risk manager or a patient advocate on staff to listen to you, investigate the problem, and work on a solution with input from their internal team and staff. Do not hesitate to go to the administration if you have a problem. It is better to raise and resolve issues than to let them go.
Support Services: Housekeeping, Maintenance, and dietary: Support services are integral to running a hospital or other settings where patients reside. These people prepare meals, clean rooms, and ensure equipment works properly. If you have a problem, you can talk to these people as you will see them throughout your stay. They can be a great help to patients and their families. They may tell you to check with the nurse if you have a problem or contact the nurse if they cannot help you. The housekeeping staff, dietary personnel, and maintenance personnel were friendly and helpful when I was a patient.
Medical Records:
Remember, it is your right to obtain your medical records as they are yours. Some hospitals charge for them, but more and more hospitals are not setting the patient but providing records freely. It may take a few days for documents to be finalized following a hospital stay, so ask to be called once they are ready so you can receive your copies. These would go into the binder you are keeping of records relating to your stay and care plan.
In Closing:
Last but not least, make sure you stay involved in your care. Many people have thought ahead and designated family or a friend as their advocate if they are too sick or cannot talk for themselves. In my case, my husband was my advocate as I did have a period where I was confused and could not make decisions, so having him, there saved my life.
A good resource that you might want to consider is Five Wishes. This document helps people express their feelings and document them in one place so that their family and friends understand what they want to happen to them if their life changes and they need a voice to advocate for them. The Five Wishes ensure that each person’s care is handled with dignity. Here is the link to evaluate this important resource https://www.agingwithdignity.org
A good resource that you might want to consider is Five Wishes. This document helps people express their feelings and document them in one place so that their family and friends understand what they want to happen to them if their life changes and they need a voice to advocate for them. The Five Wishes ensure that each person’s care is handled with dignity. Here is the link to evaluate this important resource https://www.agingwithdignity.org
You and your advocate should take the time to listen to your team and understand the rationale for their suggestions. Please let them know if you have questions or if their plan contradicts your goals. The Joint Commission, the organization that accredits hospitals, has a Speak UP program to encourage patients and families to share their concerns and questions. Here is the link to the program to learn more; www.jointcommission.org/speakup.aspx.
Together with your team, you should develop your plan of care to meet your medical needs and your life goals. You are the center of your healthcare team, and your opinion is invaluable.
As you can see, many people are involved in your care. Please take time to ask questions and raise issues that are important to you. I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
Next week we will look at some challenges that can impact your journey as a patient and how you and your family can handle them.
Wow, what a timely post for me on the other end of things. As a nurse, I am all too familiar with everyone's role. I also feel confident I would speak up if I was a patient receiving care. Well, a family member has been in the hospital and I've been asking the other family member if they felt they could ask questions; if they knew who team members were; and if they needed my help at all. What a lovely article and it certainly empowers us all to think about all sides of the conversation!
So glad it was timely Elizabeth. Please feel free to share this with your family I was a patient and really too sick to speak up, but my husband was able to…..I see this so much that I wanted to share information that might improve patient/family involvement. Have a great afternoon. Anne
Thanks so much, Anne, for genuinely promoting patient-centered care. Most patients are unprepared to effectively promote their own best interests in the face of our intimidating, bafflingly complex, and sometimes dangerous health care system. I'm so happy to see you illustrate this complexity, and offer practical assistance. Again, thanks!
Thanks for sharing the realities in such an organized way. It will be so helpful to patients and families. Bravo!
Will do, thank you!
Thanks for sharing this Anne. Oftentimes, it's easy to forget (or neglect) the center of our care, especially when we're so focused on the tasks at hand. Thanks for the reminder!
Agree Marsha, today's nurses are focused on tasks, meds, charging, and other things that come up. When I was in the hospital, getting their attention was diffuclt…many times, they said they would be right back, but it turned into long waits….that made me wonder, 'what is going on'. I did not trust them after a while when they said they would be right back. Something has to change……
Thanks Greg…I felt really strong that I wanted to raise awareness…..and help the consumer really understand how important their role is. As a nurse, I was sometimes saddened by what has happened to our profession….but also understand the pressures they are under. This is where the family needs to step up. We are all learning!
Thanks Greg…I felt really strong that I wanted to raise awareness…..and help the consumer really understand how important their role is. As a nurse, I was sometimes saddened by what has happened to our profession….but also understand the pressures they are under. This is where the family needs to step up. We are all learning!