Gynecologist Opens Patient Centered Practice on Long Island
For many women a visit to the gynecologist means sitting in a waiting room for what feels like an eternity, then a visit with a doctor that feels like a flash. A quick exam, the chart abruptly closes and the doctor vanishes.
Dr. Leslie Farrington has reversed this trend for her patients. Looking for a new mode of healthcare delivery, Dr. Farrington has opened a “ patient centered” practice in Freeport, New York. “Patient centered” is when doctors treat patients as partners, involving them in planning their health care and encouraging them to take responsibility for their own health.
Research shows that patients’ health is more likely to improve when they are allowed to help shape their treatment plans. To do this, Dr. Farrington has slowed down the pace with patients. Because she schedules no more than two patients an hour, Dr. Farrington is able to offer more personalized care and help patients to better understand and get more involved in their own care – however long it takes.
Farrington worked for 26 years as obstetrician-gynecologist, delivering babies and performing surgeries in a large, busy medical practice. But the scheduling crush left her scant time to partner with patients on their healthcare. Her decision to move to a different model stemmed from her involvement in the patient safety movement.
Four years ago, Dr. Farrington joined PULSE of NY, a community based patient safety organization. She studied Compassionate Communication – a system that helps people speak and listen in ways that inspire compassion. She applied those techniques to her practice, eliciting more information from patients by asking them what they felt or thought about their healthcare information. Later, Dr. Farrington, joined the PULSE Board of Trustees and became an advocate for doctors partnering with patients to improve healthcare and reduce medical errors. “Patients should be treated as members of the team, with respect, honesty and compassion,”
Dr. Farrington said. “I want to be able to spend more time with patients so I can learn more about them and diagnose them with care.” Dr. Farrington opened a new modern doctor’s office in Freeport that puts the patient in the center. Her office is equipped with a table that lowers to allow easy access for patients in wheelchairs. She makes patient safety literature available, invites patients to ask questions and encourages them to participate in their care.
PULSE President Ilene Corina applauded the principals of a patient centered practice: “Putting the patient on center stage helps improve health care quality and reduce medical errors. A stronger alliance between doctor and patient takes time to build and provides a higher level of care and patient satisfaction.”
To learn more call Dr. Farrington at: 516-355-0101 or email drfarrington@ vzw.blackberry.net To learn more about choosing a doctor who is “patient centered” or making your practice patient centered, call PULSE of NY at (516) 579-4711.
