IPEXS 2026

International Patient Experience Standard

The world’s first international standard for patient experience in healthcare. Global best practices in clinical excellence, compassion and patient partnership have been researched, reviewed and codified into a definitive framework for healthcare experience excellence.

12

SECTIONS

PX-DNA

FRAMEWORK

12

PX Pillars

40+

COUNTRIES

What is IPEXS 2026?

The International Patient Experience Standard (IPEXS 2026) is the world’s first comprehensive framework specifically designed for healthcare organisations seeking to deliver exceptional patient experiences. It recognises that clinical excellence alone is not enough — patients deserve care that is compassionate, coordinated, transparent, safe and centred around their needs.

IPEXS 2026 bridges the gap between clinical governance and experience management, providing healthcare organisations with a structured, measurable framework that encompasses the entire patient journey — from first contact through treatment to aftercare and beyond.

The PX-DNA Framework

The Fundamental Building Blocks of Exceptional Patient Experience

The PX-DNA Framework identifies the fundamental building blocks — the “DNA” — of exceptional patient experience, structured into 12 interconnected sections that together define what healthcare excellence looks like from the patient’s perspective.

The 12 Sections

A comprehensive framework addressing every aspect of patient experience

Clinical Governance & Safety

Patient safety frameworks, clinical governance structures, risk management, incident reporting, infection control

Compassionate Care

Compassion as a measurable capability, empathy training, emotional intelligence in clinical settings, dignity in care

Patient Partnership

Shared decision-making, informed consent, patient advocacy, co-design of care pathways, patient advisory boards

Communication & Information

Clear communication protocols, health literacy, multilingual support, timely information sharing, digital patient portals

Access & Waiting

Appointment systems, waiting time management, urgent care access, geographical accessibility, digital access pathways

Environment & Facilities

Healing environment design, wayfinding, cleanliness, noise management, family accommodation, accessibility compliance

Care Coordination

Integrated care pathways, handover protocols, multidisciplinary team working, continuity of care, discharge planning

Staff Experience & Wellbeing

Healthcare worker happiness, burnout prevention, psychological safety for staff, recognition, professional development

Innovation & Technology

Digital health, telemedicine, AI in clinical settings, electronic health records, patient self-service technology

Diversity & Inclusion

Cultural competence, health equity, accessible care for all populations, language services, reducing health disparities

Measurement & Feedback

Patient feedback systems, experience surveys, complaints management, real-time feedback, outcome measurement

Continuous Improvement

Learning organisation culture, evidence-based improvement, change management, benchmarking against the standard

The 12 PX Pillars

Core pillars supporting excellence in patient experience

Clinical Safety & Trust

Compassion & Dignity

Patient Partnership

Communication Excellence

Access & Timeliness

Care Environment

Care Coordination

Staff Wellbeing

Innovation & Digital

Equity & Inclusion

Feedback & Learning

Continuous Improvement

Certification Pathway

Five steps to achieving IPEXS 2026 certification

01

Assess

Evaluate your PX maturity using the Experience Excellence Index

02

Implement

Apply the IPEXS 2026 PX-DNA Framework across your organisation

03

Measure

Track progress through structured patient experience criteria

04

Certify

Achieve formal certification to IPEXS 2026

05

Transform

Build a culture of continuous patient experience improvement

Who is IPEXS 2026 For?

Healthcare leaders committed to patient experience excellence

Hospital CEOs & Health System Leaders

Evaluate your PX maturity using the Experience Excellence Index

Chief Patient Experience Officers

Establish a strategic framework to guide PX initiatives across your organisation

Clinical Directors & Medical Directors

Integrate patient experience into clinical governance and care quality

Quality & Patient Safety Directors

Align quality improvement initiatives with international patient experience standards

Healthcare Policy Makers & Regulators

Adopt evidence-based standards for healthcare performance and accountability

Implement the Standard

Begin your journey to cerfication below, select either the Standard or our Online Assessment depending on where you are in your customer experience journey.

Any questions please contact: TBC