WCH Authorization Signifies
Achievement Across a Range of Categories
A growing body of data supports the conclusion that WCH Authorization yields multiple, measurable benefits. This body of data is growing as more hospitals achieve WCH Authorization status and hospitals continue to examine the impact. Here are some of the most significant findings to date.
Knowledge Gains The WCH Authorization is effective in increasing provider and patient care staff knowledge of why and how personal and military culture effects patients’ perceptions of health and health decision making. Pre- and post-test comparisons found statistically significant gains – many in the range of 20 to 30 percentage points – in participants’ ability to identify examples of cultural backgrounds and their effects on how service members and veterans perceive and communicate health issues. At the end of the Year 1, nearly 100% of participants correctly identify five factors that impact effective patient-provider communication and five components of cultural competency.
Changes in Beliefs Improved Provider-Patient Communication Participants are trained on four communication techniques previously unknown to them. Following Year 1, most participants say they were likely or very likely to use each of the four communication techniques with their patients. Three months later, most participants demonstrate that they are using these techniques daily.
Cultural Perspective The Benefits Are Financial, Too
All available data point to better economic performance and a higher level of financial return for Authorized WCH Facilities. There are several ways Authorized WCH Facilities save money and boost their bottom lines each year. Publicity associated with WCH designation helps improve a hospital’s marketing position and return on investment.
