Kansas City, KS -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/25/2016 -- Today's industries are changing at rapid rates, no matter their focus, but the healthcare industry has seen some of the most significant changes of all in the past decade. These changes inevitably bring corresponding challenges. In the foreseeable future, healthcare providers will be challenged to improve the patient experience, prevent infection and manage costs while streamlining services, says ImageFIRST Kansas City, a medical uniform provider in Kansas City, KS.
Two factors have created a growing trend of consumerism with American patients nationwide. First, the Affordable Care Act has given patients more decision-making power when they choose a healthcare provider, the effect of which is compounded by CAHPS surveys. Secondly, social media creates visible conversations between individuals and companies, from individuals who transparently air their grievances online to companies that go the extra mile by publicly responding to customer questions and concerns. Today's patient is savvy and discerning to say the least, and healthcare facilities have responded accordingly, by shifting their focus to providing even better patient care—not just in terms of medical care, but the holistic experience. Patients and providers have likely noticed this trend in the form of the growing role of in-house Patient Experience professionals, who encourage the increased participation and feedback of patients and their family members.
Of course, expanding the realm of what counts as "patient care" into the holistic patient experience by no means tosses medical rigor aside. A key area of focus in the contemporary healthcare industry is the minimization of healthcare-acquired infections such as staph and MRSA, which continue to affect 1 in 25 hospital patients. Additionally, the Joint Commission, an independent organization that accredits more than 21,000 healthcare organizations that meet its rigorous performance standards, has recently created the position of patient safety officer and named Ronald M. Wyatt, MD, MHA to the role. Dr. Wyatt will focus on quality and safety at both the organizational and system levels, pursuing the organization's goal of zero patient harm within the healthcare system.
Finally, one of the most pressing tasks to arise out of the changes affecting healthcare is the search for streamlined, cost-effective services that support growing health systems. In accordance with the heightened focus on patient experience, as well, healthcare facility managers are challenged to develop organizational protocol and work with outside vendors that can enhance the overall patient experience while keeping costs down.
As an experienced healthcare linen and laundry provider for Topeka, KS, and the surrounding region, ImageFIRST Kansas City's products and services address the current challenges faced by healthcare facility managers. Creating remarkable patient experiences is at the heart of everything that ImageFIRST does, and it starts with exceptional products like the company's line of Comfort Care patient gowns. These generously cut gowns are made from unbelievably soft material that patients report is unlike anything they've been offered before. Facilities that switch to ImageFIRST's Comfort Care line are guaranteed an increase in patients' perception of their facility. Furthermore, Comfort Care gowns, as well as all other ImageFIRST products, including linen, scrubs, blankets and more, are sanitized to kill up to 99.999% of pathogens. This rigorous sanitization process assists healthcare facilities in their efforts to prevent healthcare-acquired infections. Finally, ImageFIRST's ValueFIRST promise ensures that their services remain cost-effective with transparent billing, need-based inventory levels, which are assessed quarterly and adjusted if needed to reflect fluctuating patient volume.
Learn more at http://kansas-city.imagefirst.com.
About ImageFIRST
Founded in 1967, ImageFIRST is the largest and fastest growing national linen rental and laundry service specializing in the outpatient medical market. ImageFIRST's 36 locations nationwide serve over 5,500 medical offices every week, providing linen, patient gowns, scrubs and much more while partnering with facilities to better manage linen inventory. With a customer retention rate of over 95%, ImageFIRST is dedicated to improving patient satisfaction through quality linens and remarkable service: their Comfort Care gowns product line increases patients' favorable perception of a facility by more than 50%.
For more information about ImageFIRST Kansas City, the cost-effective solution for greater patient satisfaction, please visit http://kansas-city.imagefirst.com.