Effectiveness of the communication model, C.O.N.N.E.C.T., on patient experience and employee engagement: A prospective study

Abstract

Northwell Health is a large integrated healthcare organization comprised of 66,000+ employees, 23 hospitals and over 650 medical practice locations located geographically across New York State. In an effort to align and structure interactions between patients, families and healthcare professionals, Northwell Health created a communication model, C.O.N.N.E.C.T. This unique, humanistic model is an acronym that stands for: Contact, Opening Greeting, Name/Title, Needs, Explanation, Closing and Thank. This prospective 3-part study explores the impact of the C.O.N.N.E.C.T. model on professional education, engagement and patient experience. A holistic approach was utilized including a pre and post e-learning module assessment, direct observation behavioral competency process and patient experience surveys. Study participants were Patient Access Services/Registrar professionals across three Northwell Health Emergency Departments. The educational intervention produced statistically significant outcomes in overall learned knowledge, applied knowledge utilizing direct behavioral competency and patient experience. There were variations per hospital for patient experience outcomes. Healthcare necessitates an interdisciplinary team-approach and thus, non-clinical professionals also require educational interventions focused on effective patient and family centered communication. Every role, every person and every moment matters.