Patient Experience Navigator

JOB SUMMARY

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

The Patient Navigator supports the patient's medical care by providing non-medical guidance and assistance for the patient and family. Responsible for daily visits to each patient and his/her family in assigned departments, to act as a communication liaison and to hear and understand the patient's individual needs, desires, and concerns, and then to guide and connect the patient and family to a range of non-medical services, amenities, and information that can support effective healing and ensure satisfaction with the hospital experience at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. The Patient Navigator assumes responsibility and accountability for the management of resources through interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Functions as a resource and a liaison between the patient, the medical center, and the community it serves; ensure patient rights are respected; and provide a channel for problem mediation and resolution to promote the highest quality of care and customer satisfaction. The navigator is responsible for working with colleagues at the Stanford University Medical Center and at Stanford University to manage medical referrals and ongoing care and stewardship of International clientele, who are also philanthropy prospects.

Manages the entire experience of referred patients/families in all aspects of their care before, during or after any encounter with or at Stanford Children's Health. Facilitates scheduling of physician appointments and care experiences during in-and out-patient encounters of key individuals, and assist in negotiating the full spectrum of the Stanford healthcare system, including for Executive Health and Corporate Partners Program patrons.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

* Responsible for doing daily rounds on patient care units, evaluating and triaging calls from patients and families, assessing needs, investigating problems or complaints and facilitating follow up with the appropriate person or departments. Daily visitation of patients on assigned units.
* Gathers feedback proactively by rounding on inpatient rooms and speaking with families in clinic. Formulates any necessary action plans and follow-up based on feedback received. This may include immediate problem-solving and/or service recovery.
* Collaborates with team members to develop improvement projects to address patient feedback. Assists with identifying areas for improvement based on daily interactions with patients and observations. Works with unit personnel on initiatives to improve the patient experience.
* Provides support and guidance during patient hospital stay or clinic visit and being responsive to any concerns or complaints the patient and/or family may have. Provides resolution of issues at point of service.
* Helps patients secure appointments across specialties. Facilitates scheduling of physician appointments and care experiences during in-and out-patient encounters of individuals, and assist in negotiating the full spectrum of the Stanford healthcare system.
* Acts as non-clinical liaison/concierge/navigator for patient in all aspects of their care at SUMC before, during or after an encounter with a Stanford medical facility. Serves as a link to services across the health system: social work, pastoral care, physical therapy, other specialties; connecting patients to financial counseling or other care settings.
* Provide efficient, individualized services to international patients seeking care or second-opinion diagnoses at the Stanford Children's Health. Coordinates and interface with faculty and community physicians, hospital departments and clinics as well as with patients and their families to improve access to all institutional services and to facilitate comfortable, efficient visits.
* Coordinates and schedules appointments and admissions adhering to the special needs of the international patient and referral algorithms in place. Makes arrangements for interpreter services as requested by patient or family and in accordance with department policies.
* Implements training strategies to build understanding in medical center staff of the value of grateful patients to institutional fundraising.
* Participates in rotating 24/7 coverage of service - flexible schedule will be determined based on patient volume.
* Plans and implements individualized fundraising strategies to obtain major and leadership gifts from grateful patients. Works with community physicians to bring their patients into a grateful patient position at Stanford.
* Serves as a contact for patients, families and guests who have a need/want while in the hospital, or after the patient's hospital stay. Coordinates access to hospital and community resources for patients and families.
* Responsible for listening to and assessing patient needs, and taking the steps necessary to resolve any concerns or problems in an effective and timely manner; Exhibiting the highest degree of professionalism, friendliness, helpfulness, and customer service.
* Serves as liaison between patients and the hospital through whom patients may voice their problems and concerns. Accurately documents all patient complaints in complaint tracking system; Monitors and updates complaints and their resolutions in the database which is used for quality improvement activities for the organization.
* Investigates patient/family complaints/grievances and provides appropriate/timely response; Maintains regular communication during the investigation and, based on investigation results, formulates written response, when appropriate.
* Shares appropriately updates with patients and families, in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. Provides information and assistance in completion of Advance Health Care Directives; educates department staff on updates and revisions of these documents. Provide information and assistance in completion of Advance Health Care Directives.
* Collaborates with department managers to meet patient expectations and quality outcomes building a patient focused culture.
* Coordinates recruitment, orientation, training and management of volunteers that enhance patient experience; participates in medical center committees/task forces and other special projects as required to support patient.
* Attends appointments and/or care conferences as requested by patients, physicians or staff.