Patient Experience Week activities planned at USA Health

USA Health is making plans to celebrate Patient Experience Week to recognize the vital role compassionate, patient-centered care plays in improving outcomes, safety and trust for patients and families.  

Activities are scheduled for the last week of April, beginning with snacks and treats for staff Monday, April 27.  

Observed nationally each spring, Patient Experience Week highlights the efforts of healthcare teams who focus on clear communication, empathy and partnership with patients and caregivers. Research shows that hospitals with a strong patient experience performance also see improvements in patient safety, treatment adherence, and overall quality of care.  

“Patient Experience Week is meaningful to me because it reminds us that how we care for patients is just as important as the care we provide,” said Roy Weeks, MSHA, director of Support Services at Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “Every interaction — from a bedside conversation to discharge planning — can influence safety, healing and a family’s confidence during what can often be a stressful time.”  

Patient experience is also a key measure of hospital quality nationwide. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services incorporates patient experience data into value-based programs, while the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality identifies patient engagement and communication as essential components of patient safety.  

“Patient Experience Week gives us a moment to pause and reflect on what families place in our hands when they come to us — their trust,” said Deborah Browning, MSN, RN, CENP, chief executive officer of Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “Caring for children and supporting women means caring for entire families, and we are deeply grateful to our team members who strive daily to show compassion, listen closely and walk alongside patients during some of the most important moments of their lives.”  

Schedule of Events

Monday, April 27  

• Children’s & Women’s Hospital
  • Treats for staff at back entrance, 6:30 a.m.  
  • Photos with staff holding Patient Experience cards  
• Providence Hospital
  • Snacks in the main lobby, 6:30-7:30 a.m.
  • Snack and chat in café, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• University Hospital
  • Donuts and coffee: “We DONUT know what we would do without you!” 6:30-8:30 a.m., café conference room

Tuesday, April 28  

• Children’s & Women’s Hospital
  • Launch of Patient Experience Wall Contest (winning department receives a pizza party)  
  • Share appreciation for your colleagues by visiting the gratitude table  
• Providence Hospital
  • Snack and chat in café, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• University Hospital
  • Jolly Trolly: Patient Experience to go and visit patients
  • Goodies giveaway at staff entrances, 6:30-8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, April 29  

• Children’s & Women’s Hospital
  • Dress up as your favorite superhero  
  • Share appreciation for your colleagues by visiting the gratitude table  
• University Hospital
  • Winning Wednesday: Go and recognize staff
  • Launch new Winning Wednesday cart

Thursday, April 30  

• Children’s & Women’s Hospital
  • Patient Experience team delivers gratitude cards to staff
  • Patient Experience booths in café corridor, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• University Hospital
  • Jolly Trolly: Patient Experience to go and visit patients
  • Goodies giveaway at staff entrances, 6:30-8:30 a.m.

Friday, May 1  

• Children’s & Women’s Hospital
  • Carnival in the courtyard, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  
  • Patient Experience Wall Contest winners announced
• University Hospital
  • Staff breakfast, 6:30-8:30 a.m. (grab-and-go biscuits), café conference room
  • Goodies giveaway (pop-up), lobby or café