SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-First Things First: "Ask Them Three"

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The document describes a hospital quality-improvement initiative called <strong>“Ask Them Three”</strong> designed to strengthen <strong>physician-patient communication</strong> and improve <strong>HCAHPS communication scores</strong>. The project was introduced because increasing demands for efficiency and productivity can reduce the time physicians spend with patients, which may hinder communication and patient satisfaction.

The intervention is a simple card given to patients and included in discharge paperwork so they can keep it. The card prompts daily review of three key questions by the hospitalist: whether the patient’s <strong>plan of care</strong> was discussed, whether any <strong>pending tests</strong> remain, and whether the <strong>anticipated discharge date</strong> was addressed. It also includes space for patients to write questions and for the hospitalist to write their name and provide a business card. Patients are encouraged to use the card to become more active participants in their care.

The card was piloted on units with weak communication scores. Survey feedback showed patients found the card helpful for better understanding their care plan and for improving communication with their hospitalists. Comparing HCAHPS scores from the same units one year apart showed improved patient-physician communication scores, suggesting the intervention had a positive effect on patient experience and quality measures.

Overall, the project concludes that the <strong>“Ask Them Three” card</strong> helps hospitalists communicate more consistently and thoroughly, reinforces daily discussion of the care plan, and improves patient engagement. The team hopes to expand the program across the hospital.

Asset Subtitle

Nayla Z. Idriss

Meta Tag

Author List Amanda Suleman, Kenneth Rodgers, Matthew Pinkus, Nayla Z. Idriss

Category Innovations

Concept Patient Engagement

Concept Doctor-Patient Communication

Concept Ask Them Three Card

Concept HCAHPS Scores

Concept Question Prompt List

Distinguished Finalist

Presenter Organization Northwell Health Long Island Jewish Medical Center

Presenting Author Nayla Z. Idriss

Track Communication

Keywords

Ask Them Three

hospital quality improvement

physician-patient communication

HCAHPS scores

patient engagement

hospitalist communication

plan of care

discharge planning

patient satisfaction

communication improvement

Patient Engagement

Doctor-Patient Communication

Ask Them Three Card

HCAHPS Scores

Question Prompt List