In November of 2022, when we sent the first invites for Catalyst Voice, we asked you to help us reshape healthcare based on your real experiences and needs.
As the consumer, the patient, the caregiver, the innovator, your voice holds immense power in this process and is just one reason why honoring every voice is a core value of Wellstar. Through Voice, an open and secure platform, we invited everyone to engage in candid dialogue, forging a path toward a healthcare system that truly serves us all.
During 2023, Catalyst Voice conducted 17 studies, delving into critical facets of healthcare, completing 22,979 interviews and collecting 9,536 open-ended responses, which offered detailed insights and perspectives.
One survey focused on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, assessing its potential benefits and challenges, with 41% of respondents saying they believe ChatGPT could be very useful or extremely useful in helping Wellstar with patient intake.
Surveys also investigated the importance of sustainability in healthcare practices, with 69% valuing environmental responsibility in healthcare.
“Have recycling containers (or more of) for patients and guests to deposit items into. I see too many plastic water and drink bottles go into the trash can,” one community member wrote.
Community members also noted that patient care must always be the priority.
“I would be uncomfortable with re-useable garments, cups etc. I want the focus to be on the health and sanity of the individuals. There are other ways mentioned to reduce carbon footprint.”
In the spring, we gathered your opinions on extended healthcare hours to cater to diverse schedules and needs.
“[Extended hours] were offered at our office and it was great for people that work M-F. When they stopped I resorted to immediate care providers,” wrote Rebecca, a Voice community member.
Patients would like more options for their appointments. In fact, 65% said their desired appointment time and date wasn’t available on short notice and 63% considered convenient office hours very or extremely important.
“While I feel like it might burden providers, I would be interested in the option of extended or weekend appointments as making up time for travel to location and visits themselves has kept me from looking for care within Wellstar,” another community member said.
These surveys revealed a tapestry of voices echoing the realities of healthcare experiences. Participants shed light on crucial aspects, expressing the need for enhanced security measures in healthcare facilities, especially during after-hours. Concerns about dark and unattended spaces, especially parking decks, were raised by 70% of respondents, emphasizing the necessity for visibility and safety protocols.
“[We need] more staff presence….the parking decks need to be more lit.”
Participants also highlighted sensory experiences within healthcare environments, advocating for better food, cleanliness, and an environment that caters to individual preferences.
“Walking down halls and smelling a patient’s bowel movement; Hearing multiple alarms from patient rooms at any given time, makes you feel the patients are being unattended to the longer the alarms are sounding,” a community member wrote.
Accessibility was also important for community members.
“Proximity of objects and spaces necessary to the patient is key. Bathrooms are close to the bed. Ease-of-access to things like electric sockets. Smells, on the other hand, should be limited to being clean and fresh. What’s pleasing to one might not be pleasing to another, and facilities have a tendency to overdo the “aromatherapy”.”
Patients also told us what they expect out of their clinical team during appointments, with 22% of respondents believing their doctor would benefit from communication training.
“This is a particularly stressful time to be a physician or medical worker in any public facing occupation. That having been said, the limited nature of office visits (15 minutes) give scant time to address a problem or condition, and it is the only time patients get to be heard. It is imperative that a patient feels heard, and leaves understanding the medical plan.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every participant who contributed their thoughts and experiences to Catalyst Voice. Your opinions have been shared with leaders and innovation teams, so we can search for solutions. As we approach this festive season, we wish you joyous holidays filled with warmth and happiness. Looking ahead to 2024, we eagerly anticipate continued collaboration and dialogue through Catalyst Voice, where we can shape a future of healthcare that honors every voice and truly serves us all.
