Establishing Patient and Family Engagement Practices

Republic County Hospital Establishing Patient and Family Engagement Practices

Republic County Hospital is taking steps to provide better quality health care, more efficient care, better patient and employee satisfaction, and improved population health. Through their participation in the Patient Satisfaction Learning Community 2018 Project, Republic County Hospital is working to better engage patients and families as part of the care team. During this project, the Kansas Hospital Education and Research Foundation is working directly with participating hospitals on behalf of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. This improvement project includes the utilization of best practices in the area of patient and family engagement and application of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Collaborative Model which helps organizations make breakthrough improvements in support of change.

Republic County Hospital is one of eight hospitals participating in the state-wide project. Republic County Hospital is focusing on improving communication with patients and families so their priorities and choices drive the delivery of care. By involving patients and families, Republic County Hospital will improve patient safety, outcomes, patient satisfaction and employee engagement and retention.

Providers participating in the Patient Satisfaction Learning Community 2018 Project have chosen to do so with no incentive outside of providing the highest quality care possible. Those who truly benefit are the consumers who choose proactive organizations like Republic County Hospital for their health care needs.

This project was federally funded through KDHE-BCHS-FLEX Program. The FLEX program is managed by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Kansas Hospital Association Education and Research Foundation

Established in 1969 by the Kansas Hospital Association, the Kansas Hospital Education and Research Foundation's mission is to facilitate collaboration and innovation to improve health delivery for Kansas communities. KHERF leverages grants and other funding to support projects, serving in a leadership role, as a partner in developing projects or simply serves as an administrator for grants and sub-contracts that are consistent with KHERF's vision and values. To learn more, visit kherf.org.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

KDHE's mission is to protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans. Through education, direct services and the assessment of data and trends, coupled with policy development and enforcement, KDHE will improve health and quality of life. They prevent illness, injuries and foster a safe and sustainable environment for the people of Kansas. To learn more, visit kdheks.gov.