To some it might read like an eye-chart, but to doctors and nurses this stands for ‘Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems,’ and it’s defined as ‘a survey instrument and data collection methodology for measuring patients’ perceptions of their hospital experience.’  The surveys are delivered to patients upon discharge. HCAHPS scores are publicly reported based on four consecutive quarters of data. Because solid scores are important for reimbursement and market share, hospital administrators must seek effective ways to uplift their service. While medical procedure is the first deliverable for a successful recovery, the experience is a close second.

Becker’s Hospital Review lists multiple strategies to boost HCAHPS scores, and the top strategy for improving this critical measure of effectiveness is to ‘communicate clearly and often.’ In reading their expert suggestions, it’s clear that Clarus Healthboard is a critical solution – not to mention highly effective at helping achieve these goals. Becker points out that surveys ask patients if they received information in writing about symptoms and how well staff communicated their treatment. Communication is clearly paramount for a great patient experience, not to mention high HCAHPS scores.