Dr. Kevin Buckwalter has spent more than a decade providing family
medical care at his practice in Henderson, Nevada. To stay at the
forefront of his field, Dr. Kevin Buckwalter also maintains membership
with a number of professional organizations, including the American
Medical Association (AMA).
The AMA recently issued an article in
AMA Wire® explaining how patients can help physicians implement
patient-centered care, which involves integrating patient’s viewpoints,
opinions, and experiences into practice operations. According to the
AMA, patient engagement can help physicians realize higher quality care
and improved outcomes, as well as lower care costs. The AMA’s Improving
Health Outcomes program is currently working to advance patient-centered
care and treatment outcomes through a Patient and Family Advisory Group
composed of five patients who share their experiences and perspectives
with their physicians.
In the article, the AMA states that local
physicians have also enlisted patients as advisors to learn about
patient preferences and generate office improvements, such as optimal
appointment lengths and waiting room alterations. The AMA notes that
physicians can also use an anonymous comment box to easily and
affordably gather suggestions from patients.
