What does the acronym CAHPS stand for?

The acronym CAHPS stands for Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. This program is designed to collect information from patients about their experiences with healthcare services, focusing on aspects such as communication, coordination of care, and overall satisfaction. The program serves as a critical tool for assessing the quality of care from the perspective of the consumer, which in turn helps healthcare organizations identify areas for improvement.

Understanding the specific context of this acronym is important for professionals in the healthcare field, especially in regulatory environments where patient experience and satisfaction data are key metrics for quality improvement and compliance. The insights gained from CAHPS surveys contribute to a better understanding of patient needs and expectations, allowing for enhancements in healthcare delivery systems.