The themes of business strategies and patient-centred health care share
the pages of this issue – although, at times, these two topics appear
mutually exclusive, they can, in fact, work symbiotically.
While compiling this issue, I have been continuously reminded of the passion for excellence that drives DCs. It is present in chiropractic practices across the country where patient education, community involvement, wellness initiatives and ongoing learning are employed in the never-ending effort to provide optimal patient care.
Our October issue deals, primarily, with practice management topics. In our cover story, “Building a Healthy Empire,” Dr. Scott Wilson offers his insights regarding developing a successful, yet patient-centred, enterprise. We also hear from professionals who, though not immediately involved with the daily goings-on of a chiropractic practice, can offer invaluable tips regarding partnerships, planning ahead and other practical strategies for success.
In this profession, second only to DCs in their dedication to offering excellence in patient-centred care, are Chiropractic Health Assistants. In this issue, Brandi MacDonald, a practice trainer and consultant, shares the CHA perspective with us.
As well, Dr. Patrick Milroy, DC, along with a formidable, multidisciplinary team of researchers, offers a topic that touches us all – sensitive practice. Although this article focuses on a specific patient group, its message is valuable for all practitioners and support staff.
The students at CMCC write to remind us of the importance of communication and understanding between practitioners from all disciplines as a path to patient-centred health care.
The themes of business strategies and patient-centred health care share the pages of this issue – although, at times, these two topics appear mutually exclusive, they can, in fact, work symbiotically. Patients do not often reveal the ways in which health-care workers touch their lives – when they do, they give a priceless gift that reminds practitioners of the reason for continuing to strive for excellence in care and why planning for a successful practice is important.
In the business of health care, the person who utilizes a clinical service – or undertakes a regimen of substances – owns several corporate monikers such as client, consumer, stakeholder, etc. I persist in using the word “patient” for this person because I feel we need to retain a separate term, in our health-care lexicon, to distinguish the unique brand of vulnerability inherent to his/her visit. When we link this term with “centred,” we are reminded that everything that is done, discussed, or debated, in health care must have the well-being of the patient at its core.
I am inspired by the way the profession of chiropractic works, endlessly, to uphold this most important of practice strategies.
Bien à vous,
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