National Patient Recognition Week is held during the first week of February and is used to highlight the importance of placing emphasis on patients, not just healthcare workers. It’s also a week where healthcare workers can reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that the patients they care for are healthy and happy.

Because so many doctors are overloaded with patients, it can be difficult for them to keep track of all their needs. As a result, it’s extremely important for healthcare workers to slow things down and try to place emphasis on the needs of the patients.

The History of National Patient Recognition Week

The origins of this holiday can be traced back to the mid-1990s when a healthcare worker named John O’Malley decided to rededicate himself to the patients he was serving. Sometimes the emphasis isn’t placed enough on the patients but instead on the healthcare workers. This day realigns that proposition and puts the spotlight back on the needs and happiness of the patient.

Observing National Patient Recognition Week

During this week, doctors and other healthcare professionals can attend seminars and other events that focus on improved patient care. It’s a good time for people to think about what patients need and how they can better attend to those needs. Some of the things that healthcare workers can do to improve patient care include spending more time with each patient, taking the time to listen to the patient’s concerns and needs, and learning how to be better advocates for their patients.

Healthcare workers should also work towards making the patient’s doctor visit or hospital stay more enjoyable. A word about this holiday can be spread among healthcare workers simply by using the hashtag #NationalPatientRecognitionWeek on social media posts for the day.