What is the purpose of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS)?

The purpose of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) is to evaluate hospital stays from a patient's perspective. This standardized survey instrument is designed to capture patients' feedback on their hospital experience, including communication with nurses and doctors, the environment of care, and various aspects of their overall experience during their hospital stay. By focusing on the patient's perspective, HCAHPS helps healthcare providers understand patient needs and perceptions, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of care and patient satisfaction. The information gathered through HCAHPS is also publicly reported, allowing potential patients to make informed choices about where to seek care based on their peers' experiences.

In contrast, assessing healthcare facility staff performance, measuring the effectiveness of surgical procedures, and monitoring compliance with healthcare regulations, while essential aspects of overall healthcare quality and operations, are not the primary focus of HCAHPS. The survey specifically centers on the patient experience, distinguishing it from other metrics or evaluations within the healthcare system.