Bureau of Health Information: Patient survey showed some doctors don't answer questions clearly.

Data released this week by the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) surveyed people who used the hospital's emergency department and also those who were admitted.

Among the biggest improvements, according to those who were surveyed, was patients' involvement in their care.

READ ALSO: We want your stories, says festival to regional filmmakers

"The percentage of patients who said they 'definitely' felt involved in decisions about their care improved significantly in Dubbo, from 59 per cent to 73 per cent," the report stated.

However, this also reveals that more than a quarter of patients have not felt adequately involved in their own care.

Patients also reported that more doctors answered their questions clearly.

The level of staff who were 'always' kind and caring in the ED dropped according to 74 per cent of patients (down from 81 per cent), while just 61 per cent of patients said ED staff 'definitely' did everything possible to manage their pain which is down from 75 per cent.

Also, 74 per cent of admitted patients rated their overall care as 'very good' (up from 61 per cent), while only 53 per cent of ED patients rated their care as 'very good' (down from 58 per cent).

Wards were rated as 'very clean' by 79 per cent of patients (up from 63 per cent) and 77 per cent of patients said they were given 'completely' enough information to manage their care at home (up from 70 per cent).

READ ALSO: What the new JobKeeper will look like, and when it will kick in

In response to the results on patient involvement in their treatment, the Western NSW LHD introduced bedside clinical handovers by staff at the conclusion of the five-year long patient survey in 2018.

"Previously, this handover between staff occurred in an office, away from the patient," the BHI report said.

"Staff now conduct the handover at the patient's bedside, but this process involves more than just a change of location. Bedside clinical handover now includes the patient, and carer where appropriate, in the handover conversation."

READ ALSO: More parking on the way at west Dubbo park

A Western NSW LHD spokeswoman said all hospitals in the district were transitioning to have clinical handovers at the bedside.

"Patients describe feeling more informed and involved in conversations and decisions about their own healthcare," she said.

"They also say they have an improved understanding of the plan for their treatment and being involved in discussions around plans for their discharge from hospital.

READ ALSO: Supply chain 'more robust' as interest in face masks increases

The spokeswoman said bedside clinical handovers help health professionals understand what matters to patients and it connects them to the whole of the patient's healthcare journey.

"When involving patients in clinical handover at the bedside, health professionals are more aware of describing care in a way that patients can understand, and confirming personal preferences with the patient," she said.

What do you think? Send a letter to the editor: