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Maria Middelares prioritizes patient engagement in their care

May 28, 2026, 6:00 PM10
(Update: May 28, 2026, 6:00 PM)
hospital in Ghent

Maria Middelares prioritizes patient engagement in their care

  • Maria Middelares hospital in Belgium integrates patient experience into its care philosophy.
  • Patients are encouraged to participate actively and collaboratively in their healthcare decisions.
  • This approach leads to a more trustworthy and compassionate healthcare environment.
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In Belgium, Maria Middelares hospital has integrated patient experience into its core philosophy, recognizing that trust in healthcare is built through both clinical excellence and the quality of patient interactions. The hospital emphasizes not only the clinical aspects of care but also the human experience, ensuring that care is accessible, understandable, and compassionate. It encourages patient empowerment, enabling patients to take an active role in their healthcare decisions. This entails collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals to make informed choices about treatment options. Additionally, Maria Middelares adopts a person-centered approach by considering patients' preferences, needs, values, and life contexts when delivering care. This involves the active engagement of families and caregivers in the decision-making process, fostering a more holistic approach to health management. To capture the effectiveness of these initiatives, the hospital systematically collects feedback through questionnaires, allowing patients to assess their health status, quality of life, and overall experiences. The hospital has also established various programs, particularly in areas like dementia care, oncology, rehabilitation, and advanced care planning, designed to enhance patient and caregiver involvement as partners in the care journey. These efforts ensure that a wide range of voices contribute to the healthcare process, leading to an environment where patients feel heard and valued. Furthermore, clear communication is prioritized at Maria Middelares. The institution supports those with language barriers, hearing impairments, or cognitive difficulties, facilitating effective communication about critical needs. Efforts to create a supportive atmosphere are evident in the delivery rooms, where comfort and a positive birth experience are paramount. This integrated approach underscores that patient experience is a vital part of high-quality healthcare, leading to greater trust and satisfaction in the care provided.

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