National Patient Recognition Week

By MEDCOM for STAND-TO!February 2, 2011

National Patient Recognition Week

What it is'

National Patient Recognition Week, celebrated annually Feb. 1-7 and recognized officially with special events on National Patient Recognition Day, Feb. 3, presents a golden opportunity for the Army leaders and medical providers to honor the patients trusted to our care-our Soldiers, family members, retirees and all other eligible military health system beneficiaries. As we honor our patients, this week and throughout the month of February, the Army and Army Medicine remains committed to the highest standards in patient-centered care. The theme for 2011 is "A Partnership Built on Trust."

What the Army has done'

Trust in the care and support services Army Medicine provides is an essential part of our commitment to our Army family. In 2010, The Surgeon General and Medical Command Commander Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker and other medical commanders and leaders across the Army, signed formal Army Medicine Healthcare Covenants-our commitment to improve services, access and continuity of care for our patients. Army Medicine also initiated many new programs and support services (Patient Centered Medical Home, Comprehensive Behavioral Health System of Care Campaign Plan, Pain Management Campaign Plan, the Culture of Trust, mTBI/ Concussive Injury Protocols, Medically Not Ready/Non-Deployable), to enhance access and continuity of care, patient satisfaction and inspire continued trust in Army Medicine.

What does the Army have planned for the future'

Army Medicine leaders and providers-physicians, nurses, technicians, administrative and ancillary support staffs, hospital and clinic volunteers, will continue to provide our patients the quality care that is foundation of Army Medicine. Leaders and medical providers will reinforce and enhance Army Medicine's Culture of Trust by reconfirming and demonstrating a renewed commitment to patient care, well-being and satisfaction. We honor and thank our patients-Soldiers, retirees and family members for their honorable service and sacrifices made on the battlefield and at home.

Why is this important to the Army'

Our patients deserve the finest care and support the Army can provide. As we continue to enhance and improve the medical support and service the Army and Army Medicine provides, we recognize paying attention to our patients' unique needs is key to overall patient satisfaction. The Army's mission is to "Heal the Warrior" and Army Medicine's vision is to continually "Bring Value and Inspire Trust" in the care and services we provide our Army family.

Resources:

<a href="http://www.armymedicine.army.mil/hc/covenant/covenant.html" target="_blank"> Army Medicine Healthcare Covenant</a>

<a href="http://www.armymedicine.army.mil/cot/" target="_blank"> Army Medicine's Culture of Trust</a>

AKO log in required: <a href="http://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/26237456" target="_blank"> Patient Appreciation Month Posters</a>

Related STAND-TO!: <a href="http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2010/12/09/" target="_blank">STAND-TO! edition, Dec. 9, 2010 Army Medicine's Culture of Trust </a>