How Do You Come Across to Patients?

Health Care providers service organization (HFSO) has this advice for you, yes they are right.

How Do You Come Across to Patients?

What patients think of you is just as important as the quality of the care you provide. Patients’ perception of your interest and compassion determines how satisfied they are with the care they receive. And satisfied patients are less likely to sue.

To make sure patients see you in the best possible light, be friendly, but respectful. Don’t call your patient by his first name, for example, unless he asks you to. If you’re a physical therapist, athletic trainer, massage therapist, or other healthcare professional where therapeutic touch is crucial, you’ll want to avoid being overly friendly.

You don’t want patients to misconstrue therapeutic touch as personal. If patients do share something of a personal nature with you— such as the fact that they’re going through a divorce—bring it back to the matter at hand: their health. Ask how the stress might be affecting their response to therapy.

Being professional, however, doesn’t mean that you need to appear rude, condescending, or disinterested. Despite the pressures of managed care, don’t rush patients through their visit. Listen to their questions and concerns attentively: Something seemingly trivial may be important to them and may even clue you into an important aspect of their care.

Remember that some patients, particularly those who don’t feel well, have trouble processing information in times of stress. They won’t hear what you say if they feel intimidated, or get the sense that you’re not addressing their concerns. Your friendly and professional demeanor will help them relax, meaning that they’ll be more likely to understand your instructions and less likely to blame you if something goes wrong with their care.