What is the purpose of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems?

The purpose of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) is primarily to evaluate hospital stays from a patient's perspective. This standardized survey gathers patients' feedback on their experiences during hospitalization, focusing on various aspects including communication with nurses and doctors, cleanliness of the hospital environment, and the overall hospital experience.

By prioritizing the patient's viewpoint, HCAHPS aims to provide insights into the quality of care from the consumer's perspective, which can help hospitals improve service delivery and patient satisfaction. This focus on patient-reported outcomes is crucial for quality improvement initiatives and promoting transparency in healthcare. Additionally, the results of HCAHPS surveys may be used by consumers to compare hospitals, fostering accountability in health services.

The other options, while related to healthcare, do not align with the specific intent behind HCAHPS. The survey does not aim to eliminate mistakes in healthcare directly, set international standards or primarily assess financial costs. Rather, it is a tool for collecting and analyzing patient feedback to enhance the quality of care provided in hospitals.