grateful-patient-report-11-2014

What is a grateful patient program and how can it help?

Many patients also use grateful patient programs to honor the individual staff members and departments that played meaningful roles in their care. Beyond increasing funds for the hospital, grateful patient programs are also an opportunity to form cross-departmental partnerships and collaborate.

What are some common problems with grateful patient programs?

All grateful patient programs confront some common problems, and planning for potential pitfalls can make all the difference. One problem is solving the riddle of a dedicated staff being more than solely doctors, nurses, and other hospital personnel.

How do you calculate the ROI of a grateful patient program?

Divide the net profit by the expenses and multiply by 100. Calculate the ROI for of all of your fundraising programs to determine if your grateful patient program is viable and comparable to other fundraising efforts. Cost per dollar raised (CPDR). Divide program expenses by the gross income and multiply by 100.

How do you raise money for a grateful patient program?

A grateful patient program can be a great way to raise money, but it is crucial to have robust controls in place to ensure optimal operating processes, such as: Appropriate outreach strategies. Data tracking. Number of new prospects identified versus new donors acquired. Number of patient visits to the hospital versus total money donated.

Who will receive an acknowledgement letter for an honoree?from atlanticgeneral.org

The person (s) whom you are honoring will be sent an acknowledgment letter. Your message of appreciation will also be shared with your honoree’s supervisor, his or her professional colleagues and with the community through our donor report newsletter. The gift amount will be kept confidential.

Is a grateful patient tax deductible?from atlanticgeneral.org

The gift of health is precious. By making a tax-deductible contribution through the Grateful Patient Program, you honor the person who has played a significant role in your care and support their work while also helping to provide essential resources for a healthier tomorrow.

Is Atlantic General Hospital a 501c3?from atlanticgeneral.org

Atlantic General Hospital is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. A copy of the current financial statement of Atlantic General Hospital is available by writing 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, MD 21811 or by calling (410) 641-9671.

Why do hospitals need grateful patient fundraising programs?

Grateful patient fundraising programs raise valuable capital for physician research, for investing in technology and equipment, and for facility improvements while also giving patients and their families the opportunity to give back and support the hospital that has helped them or their loved ones.

What makes a grateful patient program successful?

On the surface, a grateful patient program’s goal is to bring in donations. However, that is not the only factor that should be considered when evaluating a grateful patient program’s success, especially if you are just getting started. Your program should also aim to build a genuinely loyal base of dedicated advocates and donors.

1. Provide robust training for hospital staff

Grateful patient programs can be complicated for multiple reasons. For one, the nature of patient relationships is sensitive. You are also collaborating with individuals, such as physicians, who are not trained in philanthropic work.

2. Make use of your gift officers

As you begin to identify prospective donors and start your outreach, prioritize effectively leveraging your gift officers. If you’ve hired new gift officers, it’s a waste of your investment to not entrust them with prospects. Give them the autonomy to identify where to focus your efforts and how you can improve your strategy.

3. Create a strong solicitation plan

With the help of your gift officers, you’ll have a list of prospects to begin forming stronger relationships with and soliciting donations from. However, before you take on the actual task of soliciting donations, it’s crucial that you have a well-developed plan that accounts for the sensitive nature of patient relationships.

4. Keep data secure and organized

There are many rules and regulations when it comes to patient data, and the absolute last thing you want to do is violate a patient’s privacy. Using HIPAA-compliant software and inviting your compliance officer to weigh in early in the process is crucial.

Wrapping Up

Grateful patient fundraising programs can be great assets for healthcare institutions, but they come with certain challenges. Having a partner in creating a highly effective program can make all the difference. Explore Graham-Pelton’s other resources and reach out when you’re ready to start your Beyond Gratitude journey.

1. Gain Support for Your Grateful Patient Program

If you’re just as jazzed about grateful patient programs as we are, then your first step is to get more influential hospital staff on board.

2. Create Grateful Patient Protocol for Your Hospital

As mentioned earlier, physicians may (and should) express concerns about fundraising interfering with patient treatment.

3. Provide Access to Grateful Patient Materials

In an ideal situation, a patient will express their desire to give back to your hospital without provocation. However, in reality many patients may feel this way without vocalizing their gratitude to the right people.

4. Screen Prospects for Your Grateful Patient Program

It’s no secret that hospitals that can target donors with the highest giving potential are more likely to see a return on their investment.

5. Emphasize Patient Well-Being in Your Grateful Patient Program

Without question, your medical institution’s highest priority should be treating patients; in other words, a grateful patient program will always come second. Hospitals can be stressful places, even for patients who receive the best possible care and leave with great results.

6. Open the Door to Healthcare Fundraising Matching Gifts

Implementing a stellar grateful patient program is an accomplishment all on it’s own; but did you know there’s a way for your hospital to maximize those funds?

What is the OSF grateful patient program?from osfhealthcarefoundation.org

Through the OSF Grateful Patient Program, you can honor physicians and advanced practice providers who demonstrate excellence, extraordinary care and service. They are recognized as outstanding clinicians at OSF HealthCare.

Who is Michael DeGroot?from osfhealthcare.org

Michael DeGroot, MD is an OB/GYN with OSF St. Francis Women’s Center and one of 13 nominees for the Honor a Caregiver Award. A patient had these words of gratitude to share, “Had it not been for Dr. DeGroot and the wonderful nurses/other staff, I wouldn't be here today. Ever since that day, Dr. DeGroot has been there for my family and has always been incredibly kind and compassionate and genuinely listens when you speak to him.”

Who is Nora Forster?from osfhealthcare.org

Nora Forster, RN, is a nurse in the emergency department and was one of 30 nominees. She was recognized for the exceptional care as well as compassion she brought to a young patient and his father. The dad shared that Nora paid special attention to his son, at one point offering bubbles to distract as well as engage with him, stating “It was the best experience ever through an emergency department.”