National Patient Recognition Week - February 1-7,2023
Patients are at the heart of everything we do. The value they bring us cannot be measured, but we can express our gratitude for their trust in us by providing them with quality care and compassionate support. This is why on February 1 to 7 of each year, we observe the National Patient Recognition Week to raise awareness among patients about their role in improving healthcare outcomes through active participation in their treatment plans. It was created by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1995. Moreover, this observance serves as a week for professionals in the healthcare field to recommit to the pledge of human-centered and superior healthcare service delivery.
History of National Patient Recognition Week
John O’Malley initiated National Patient Recognition Week in 1995 after he felt the need to specially dedicate a week to the many patients healthcare workers look after each day. The holiday serves as an opportunity for healthcare service providers to find ways to better care for their patients and attend to some of the most common complaints around healthcare service delivery in the U.S., including noisy nurses stations that can sometimes interfere with sleep, loss of personal belongings, and more.
Patient Recognition Week is a time for healthcare service providers to “seriously reflect on their stewardship of patient care and their dedication to patient satisfaction.”
In modern times, healthcare in the United States is having a torrid time in contrast to the healthcare industry of other developed countries. This makes National Patient Recognition Week even more important.
In 2014, the World Health Organization’s survey revealed that the United States has the highest per capita healthcare expenses of any first-world country. And the National Institutes of Health’s 2016 research also noted that the U.S. has the highest prevalence of obesity, car accidents, infant mortality, heart and lung disease, sexually transmitted infections, adolescent pregnancies, injuries, and homicides among the 17 high-income countries surveyed.
Observing National Patient Recognition Week
National Patient Recognition Week is a time to celebrate those who have been loyal patients over the years. It is also the right time to thank the people who have made their healthcare experience a pleasant one.
Now more than ever, our role as healthcare service providers is crucial in helping patients navigate the challenges of getting quality care. This is the time to plan initiatives or events that improve service. Make it time to also reflect on ways to further better health care service delivery by taking the time to listen even more to their predicaments. Become an advocate for their well-being.
National Patient Recognition Week is a time to celebrate the patient-doctor relationship. It’s also a time to speak up about any issues you have with your healthcare experience. This week, if you’re a patient, then it’s time to stop in and tell your physician anything that’s been concerning you about your healthcare experience whether you have some complaints to voice about your treatment options or just want to express how difficult it would be to replace your incredible doctor.
You don’t have to wait for this holiday to come around, though! Healthcare professionals care deeply about their patients, so feel free to speak up and have your voice heard to see real improvement in your treatment!