Honoring October’s Healthcare Observances: What They Mean for Patients, Providers, and Deacon
October is a month full of meaning for those of us in healthcare. It brings together several observances that align closely with Deacon’s mission of delivering compassionate, evidence-based care coordination. From recognizing patient-centered practices to appreciating the critical role of physical therapy and emphasizing quality as the cornerstone of value-based care, these observances remind us why we do what we do.
Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month
October is recognized as Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the progress made toward putting patients at the center of care and to build momentum for what’s still ahead. The campaign has grown steadily since it began over a decade ago as a way to spotlight patient engagement.
Patient-centered care is defined as “providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that the patient remains the center of all clinical decisions.” It goes far beyond courtesy or amenities. True patient-centered care engages people physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. It improves health outcomes and fosters healthier communities.
Research shows that when patients are engaged as active members of the care team, they:
- Make more informed decisions
- Are more likely to adopt healthy behaviors
- Report more positive care experiences
- Achieve better outcomes
At Deacon, this philosophy is core to who we are. Our Patient Navigators are available 24/7—not outsourced or call center-based, but real employees who know each patient, their case, and their goals. From pre-surgical preparation to post-discharge recovery, our team builds trust through continuity, familiarity, and consistent communication.
We prioritize education, breaking down complex medical terms into plain language so patients feel confident about their care plan. We personalize every pathway, tailoring care to each individual’s medical history, support network, and recovery needs. In short, Deacon lives out the principles of Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month every day—because putting the patient first isn’t an observance for us, it’s our operating model.
Learn more about how Deacon elevates patient care.
National Physical Therapy Month
Each October also marks National Physical Therapy Month, established in 1992 by the American Physical Therapy Association. The month celebrates the transformative impact PTs and PTAs make in restoring movement, enhancing resilience, and supporting lifelong wellness.
This year’s theme highlights the role of physical therapy across the healthspan, emphasizing mobility, prevention, and strength at every age.
For Deacon, physical therapy is foundational—especially for elderly, high-risk musculoskeletal (MSK) populations. More than 50% of U.S. adults are affected by MSK conditions, and physical therapy is often the critical component of recovery and long-term mobility.
Deacon’s evidence-based care coordination model ensures PT is fully integrated into surgical recovery. In fact, 85% of patients in our AlignWell surgical pathway regain full mobility within six months. That kind of result is only possible through close collaboration between our navigators, providers, and physical therapists.
This October, we’re also proud to recognize our new VP of Strategy and Innovation, Mark Tate, MPT. With his background in physical therapy and deep expertise in MSK care innovation, Mark is helping Deacon push forward process improvements and value-based solutions that benefit both patients and providers.
Healthcare Quality Week (October 19–25)
Later this month, Healthcare Quality Week (HQW), hosted by NAHQ, will celebrate the professionals who drive safety, performance, and accountability in our health system. HQW recognizes the progress being made and the individuals committed to ensuring every patient receives the safest, most effective care possible.
The focus on quality has become central to how healthcare organizations are measured and supported. Demand for professionals who can improve safety, outcomes, and accountability has never been greater, and the field of healthcare quality is stepping into a more visible, influential role across the system.
For hospitals, this emphasis comes at a critical time. With CMS’ Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) taking effect in 2026, reimbursements will depend not just on cost savings but also on meeting strict quality measures. These include:
- Spending vs. target price
- Readmission rates
- Complication rates
- Patient experience & satisfaction
- Compliance with clinical best practices
Deacon partners with hospitals to turn TEAM’s requirements into opportunities—helping them achieve quality benchmarks that lead to better care and stronger financial results. By grounding our approach in evidence-based practices, we make it possible to build care management strategies that are sustainable, efficient, and designed to perform under value-based models. Each positive outcome, whether it’s a smooth recovery, a safe transition, or preventing a readmission, directly strengthens TEAM performance.