In the Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) 83 per cent of patients said doctors 'always' answered their questions in an understandable way, this is up from 77 per cent five years ago.

Data released on Wednesday from the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) surveyed people in public hospital emergency departments and also those who were admitted.

READ ALSO: 'Most critical' time for NSW: premier

It showed the Western NSW LHD rated better than the NSW rate of 78 per cent which is up from 74 per cent five years ago.

At the conclusion of the five-year long patient survey in 2018, the Western NSW LHD introduced bedside clinical handovers by staff.

"Previously, this handover between staff occurred in an office, away from the patient," the BHI report said.

"Staff now conduct the handover at the patient's bedside, but this process involves more than just a change of location. Bedside clinical handover now includes the patient, and carer where appropriate, in the handover conversation."

A Western NSW LHD spokeswoman said all hospitals were transitioning to have clinical handovers at the bedside.

READ ALSO: Mutual obligation changes for job seekers

"Patients describe feeling more informed and involved in conversations and decisions about their own healthcare," she said.

"They also say they have an improved understanding of the plan for their treatment and being involved in discussions around plans for their discharge from hospital.

READ ALSO: Thousands of dollars lost by individuals who flout virus legislation

"Patients also describe feeling more comfortable with their care being transferred between staff as they hear the information about their care being shared, and are able to clarify their needs and answer any questions the new staff member may have."

The spokeswoman said bedside clinical handovers help health professionals understand what matters to patients and it connects them to the whole of the patient's healthcare journey.

READ ALSO: Bedside conversations helping to improve patient care in hospital

"When involving patients in clinical handover at the bedside, health professionals are more aware of describing care in a way that patients can understand, and confirming personal preferences with the patient," she said.

"[It] helps reduce anxiety about the healthcare experience, it promotes understanding of their healthcare treatment in real time, and allows patients the opportunity to participate as a partner in their own healthcare."

WHAT DO YOU THINK?