Press Ganey Report Introduces Framework to Measure Patient Needs and Reduce Suffering

BOSTON, Oct. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Press Ganey today released its latest Performance Insights report, "Measuring Patient Needs to Reduce Suffering," presenting a new construct that enables providers to translate patient experience data into categories of unmet patient needs in terms previously not addressed through traditional analysis. The approach, detailed in the report, redefines data from the patients' point of view to more directly address patient suffering and improve patient engagement, clinical outcomes and overall performance.

"As the health care industry continues to move toward a more patient-centered approach, provider organizations have the opportunity to drive a better care experience by understanding and addressing suffering through the measurement of unmet patient needs," said Thomas H. Lee, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Press Ganey. "By capturing the voice of every patient and interpreting feedback through this construct, health care organizations can measure what matters to their patients and systematically improve performance."

The report outlines Press Ganey's new model, Compassionate Connected Care, and its ability to measure unmet needs through a novel approach that:

• Delineates between suffering "inherent" to a patient's condition and suffering that is "avoidable" in the health care process
• Categorizes addressable sources of suffering into four actionable areas within the health care organization: Clinical Excellence, Operational Efficiency, Caring Behavior and Culture
• Presents a composite score and provides insight into unmet needs within each category to address patient suffering and influence overall performance

Powered by advanced analytics, Press Ganey's new care model statistically defines and measures sources of suffering by converting CAHPS and Press Ganey measures into a single scale that represents the extent to which patient needs have not been met. The four components of the model—Clinical Excellence, Operational Efficiency, Caring Behaviors, and Culture— organize and pinpoint opportunities for improvement and highlight the types of action that must be taken in order to better meet patient needs and reduce suffering.

"The idea of identifying and addressing unmet needs is a marked departure from organizing care only around specific transactional elements," said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO, Press Ganey. "Addressing patient suffering is a differentiating strategy that creates value for patients and also engages clinicians in provider organizations' continued mission to deliver quality, patient-centered care."

A copy of the Performance Insights report, "Measuring Patient Needs to Reduce Suffering" is available for download.

About Press Ganey Associates, Inc.
Recognized as a leader in performance improvement for nearly 30 years, Press Ganey partners with more than 11,000 health care organizations worldwide to create and sustain high-performing organizations, and, ultimately, improve the overall health care experience. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to help clients operate efficiently, improve quality, increase market share and optimize reimbursement. Press Ganey works with clients from across the continuum of care – hospitals, medical practices, home care agencies and other providers – including more than 50% of all U.S. hospitals. For more information, visit www.pressganey.com.

Media Contact: 
Kristen Berry
Aria Marketing for Press Ganey
617-332-9999 x238
[email protected]

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SOURCE Press Ganey Associates, Inc.

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http://www.pressganey.com