There is a long list of reasons why many people may not want to visit the doctor, even just for a checkup. If you’re wondering how to connect with your patients and make their visits easier for them, you may find the ways listed below helpful for your practice.
1- Make Them Comfortable
Patients learning to advocate for themselves can make things difficult for well-intentioned doctors who formulate the correct treatment plan. Everyone is different, which is why it’s important to ensure that patients are comfortable during their visit. If their treatment is crucial for their health, their level of comfort is the top priority, as it’s the key to providing quality care. If they don’t feel comfortable with their doctor, they have the right to deny all forms of treatment.
2- Take Them Seriously
Patients don’t always know what’s wrong with them and may feel compelled to learn more about what types of conditions they may have based on their symptoms by looking them up online. While it’s frustrating, it means they’re seeking answers to either confirm or disprove their biggest fears rather. They didn’t study medicine for years on end, but their primary care physician has a degree to treat them and sometimes, a patient may come up with an illness that their doctor may not have considered a possibility. Many doctors don’t take patients who use the internet to look up their symptoms seriously. They’re vulnerable and often embarrassed when visiting the doctor. If you don’t take them seriously, they may not feel comfortable accepting treatment.
3- Don’t Just Be Their Doctor; Be a Person
Poor people and social skills are the top reasons why most patients deny treatment. Be polite when conveying medical information but be even more gentle when providing a medical opinion. Ensure that they understand your explanations and referrals or treatment options without talking down to them. This helps to create a comfortable environment for both of you. The end goal is that they walk out of that practice with more knowledge and a better sense of how to take better care of their overall health without feeling uncomfortable or patronized.
4- Read Their Chart Prior to Entering the Exam Room
If you are reading their chart in front of them, this might plant the idea in their head that you didn’t care enough to read up on their medical history or any personal notes before the appointment, and doing so could make a huge difference during their visit. It may even create the illusion that you remember more about them than they realize.
5- Look at Them When They Are Speaking to You
There’s a reason doctors ask what symptoms their patients are experiencing, so make sure you make eye contact while they are explaining them to you. Learn to type without looking at the keyboard so you can take notes as well as ensuring the patient that you are listening to them.
6- Mirror
This has been proven to be the most effective method for establishing a great relationship with patients. It makes them feel heard, understood, and validated in every way possible. Mirroring is one of the top ways to gain a patient’s trust as well as making sure that they are comfortable in your presence, which is one of the most important aspects when considering a treatment plan for them.
7- Provide Written Communication They Can Understand
At most appointments, patients leave with something explaining the reason behind their visit, their treatment plan, referrals if given any, and any other information that should be relevant to their visit. On that sheet of paper should include any resources for them along with other sources of medical information. As long as they understand everything on it, they can leave the appointment feeling confident in their healthcare provider.
The most important takeaway from all of this is to ensure that they are walking away from their appointment feeling comfortable and confident in the treatment they received from your practice. Making sure they understand and agree with their treatment plan will guarantee that you have established rapport with them.
