The Parking Upgrade that Elevates HCAHPS and Patient Experience
Imagine for a moment - A patient, already burdened by the anxiety of an upcoming appointment, circles the hospital parking garage for what feels like an eternity. The clock ticks closer to their appointment time, stress mounts, and frustration grows as every turn reveals yet another row of occupied spaces. By the time they finally find a spot, they’re running late, their nerves are frayed, and the tension overshadows their interaction with healthcare providers. This all-too-common scenario not only impacts the patient’s emotional well-being but also contributes to negative feedback in hospital surveys.
Transforming the Patient’s Journey
Especially for patients experiencing pain or medical emergencies, finding parking quickly upon arrival can be a constant source of worry and concern. A modern Automated Parking Guidance System (APGS), significantly reduces the time spent searching for a parking space — up to 63% faster — providing a smoother, less stressful experience.
Patients can focus on what truly matters instead of worrying about parking logistics. With timely arrivals, patients arrive to their appointments on time, fostering a more positive and calm mindset before interacting with healthcare providers. This improvement can be particularly impactful for those with mobility challenges or chronic conditions, where each convenience matters.
Elevating Hospital Performance Through Better Parking Experiences
For hospitals, smart parking solutions translates to better patient experiences and improved survey scores. Parking management solutions can directly impact critical metrics such as Press Ganey and HCAHPS scores, which are essential indicators of patient satisfaction and are directly tied to hospital reputation and reimbursement rates.
It’s here that the Park Assist Solution, an APGS, from TKH Security makes a measurable difference. Designed specifically to ease these challenges, it allows patients to focus their energy and attention on their health rather than on finding a place to park.
"Our clients have noted not only a significant boost in their Press Ganey scores but also improvements in other key metrics," said Jeff Sparrow, Director of Sales, North America, TKH Security. "This demonstrates the tangible impact of smarter parking solutions on both patient satisfaction and hospital operations."
According to a Deloitte survey, 59% of patients identified ease of traveling to the facility and car parking as top factors influencing their healthcare experience. Addressing these concerns not only improves patient satisfaction but also positions the hospital as a leader in patient-centered care. Furthermore, studies show that hospitals with higher HCAHPS scores perform better financially, with "excellent" ratings correlating to a 4.7% net margin compared to 1.8% for those with lower scores.
How Smart Parking Transformed UC Davis Medical Center
Hospitals are already seeing measurable results of an APGS installation – like at UC Davis Medical Center where TKH Security provided a state-of-the-art parking guidance system integrated with smart-sensor technology, making the parking experience intuitive and efficient. The system included overhead single space parking sensors with LED indicators to signal available spaces, reducing the time spent searching for parking by directing drivers to open spots in real-time.
Following the installation of a new parking garage featuring APGS technology, the hospital experienced a remarkable 50% increase in patient satisfaction scores. This project, undertaken in partnership with Watry Design, showcases how thoughtful infrastructure improvements can transform patient experiences.
In addition, research highlights the broader impact of parking convenience on patient outcomes. Studies reveal that better parking systems alleviate stress and enhance overall perceptions of care, contributing to higher satisfaction ratings and repeat visits.
A Win-Win Solution for Patients and Hospitals
The Park Assist Solution offers a straightforward yet impactful solution to a widespread problem. By reducing parking times, alleviating stress, and boosting patient satisfaction scores, it not only improves the day-to-day experiences of patients but also supports hospitals in achieving their performance and financial goals. It’s an innovation that transforms a seemingly minor detail into a major driver of patient and institutional success.
Ready to improve patient satisfaction and boost survey scores with smarter parking? Emails us at info.us@tkhsecurity.com to learn more today.
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