1. Patient greeters. Greeters welcome patients on arrival, provide directions and answer patient questions.
2. Art in public spaces. Art serves “to help as a wayfinder and to lighten” the hospital environment, said Dr. Cosgrove.
3. Open electronic medical records. Patients can access information in their EMR, and have been able to for the last five years at Cleveland Clinic.
4. No visiting hours. Families and loved ones are always welcome.
5. Color-coded caregiver uniforms. Patients can tell lab techs from nurses, attending physicians from residents, and can better understand how each caregiver they meet fits within the health system.
6. Closed patient gowns. Legendary designer Diane von Furstenberg designed the Clinic’s gowns, and while they do look a a bit more fashionable than the previous ones, the most important thing is that they don’t – ahem – leave anything hanging out. “We’ve even covered your backside,” joked Mr. Cosgrove.
7. Massage therapy. To ease pain and reduce stress.
8. Pet therapy. “Nothing’s better than a lick from a lab.”
