For Patients

What is patient-centered care?

Research indicates that patient and family involvement in healthcare leads to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Patient-centered care is a philosophy that promotes active involvement of the patient and family in their own care. It fosters participation by engaging the patient and their loved ones as integral parts of the care team working with the healthcare professionals in making clinical decisions.

As an organization, HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital is dedicated to the patient experience and has designed patient care around an experience that incorporates the patient (and family) in that experience. One aspect of this patient-centered care is the "patient care partner."

What is a patient care partner?

A “care partner” is a trusted person that a patient wants by their side to assist in their care and care decisions. At the time of admission, the patient will be asked who they would like their care partner to be. The name of this person and their contact information will be posted on the “family whiteboard” in the patient’s room to promote awareness of the patient's care partner to all of the hospital caregivers.

Guidelines for patient care partners

We ask that patient care partners understand and follow the below guidelines.

• For patient privacy in semi-private rooms, you may be asked to step out of the room from time to time. The nurse will notify you when you can return to the room.
• If at any time you appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or become uncooperative or disrespectful of hospital staff, you may be asked to leave.
• In an effort to maintain a healing environment, we remind you to remain as quiet as possible during your time with your loved one in the hospital.
• The staff will make every effort to make your stay with the patient comfortable, but please do not sleep in hospital waiting rooms.
• Your presence at the bedside is to remain vigilant and helpful to your loved one. If you are not sure of what you can or should be doing, please check with the nurse.

The role of the patient care partner

What you should know if you are a care partner:

You have been chosen by the patient to be their care partner. Your participation in their care will be only to the degree that you and the patient are comfortable with and to the degree that it is safe.

As a patient care partner, the hospital staff will educate and guide you if you are interested in participating in the following:

• Alerting the nurse if the patient tries to get out of bed
• Assisting in bathing and personal hygiene of the patient
• Assisting in feeding the patient
• Communication with caregivers through the use of a patient diary
• Keeping the patient on their side to relieve skin pressure
• Keeping the patient's arm straight if the intravenous tube (IV) is in an awkward position
• Letting the nurse know if you feel a change in the patient’s status is occurring
• Helping the patient move their arms and legs while they are unable to get out of bed to aid their flexibility