What does HCAHPS stand for?

HCAHPS stands for Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. This standardized survey instrument is designed to measure patients' perspectives on hospital care. Its primary purpose is to provide a quantifiable measure of patient satisfaction, which can be used to improve the quality of care and enhance the patient experience in hospitals.

The survey covers various aspects of the patient experience, including communication with nurses and doctors, the responsiveness of hospital staff, cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment, and the discharge process. The results are publicly reported and can help patients compare hospitals, making it a powerful tool for transparency in healthcare.

Understanding the full name helps in appreciating the emphasis on consumer assessment—a key aspect of improving healthcare quality and patient satisfaction. The focus on both providers and systems highlights the importance of both individual healthcare workers and the overall healthcare environment in shaping patient experiences.