HOW TO BUILD LASTING PATIENT TRUST

Deborah Stamps | DeborahStamps com

Being able to trust a healthcare professional is crucial for patients

The concept of trust is essential in healthcare as it involves the safety and comfort of patients Patients can feel vulnerable and uncertain of a healthcare professional’s intentions and competence

Especially in today’s digital age, trust can be hard to build Healthcare professionals can build loyal partnerships with patients through mutual trust, patience, and creativity

Offer Value Before Speaking

Patients are constantly bombarded with advertising and tend to distrust it Many consumers question the motives behind every advertisement Before asking for anything in return, offering something valuable to potential patients is essential

For instance, offer patients a consultation appointment to better understand what to expect before agreeing to a treatment Also, consider offering an opportunity to speak with another patient who has experienced the treatment

This strategy can be carried out on a social media platform, where only 20% of your posts can be advertising and service promotions The other 80% can be used to offer freestyle tips, green smoothie recipes, or beauty tricks This strategy can help generate positive impressions and convince patients that your clinic is genuinely interested in their well-being

NEVER RUSH OR PUSH A PATIENT DEMONSTRATE EMPATHY

Establishing a patient s trust can take a long time and it’s not worth risking it in the early stages They want to know that you are genuinely interested in their well-being and that they are not just a one-sided case This is why it’s essential that you patiently answer their questions and walk them through their concerns You should also make sure that your clinic follows up on its promises

Being able to demonstrate empathy is very important for healthcare professionals Although doctors or nurses typically have a lot going on in their minds it’s essential to be present mentally and avoid getting emotional or distracted by the patient’s attitude or issues

Trust the Patient

Instead of following a one-sided path, establish trust in patients by asking them to do their due diligence and research the treatment they’re considering using online sources It also helps to offer an opinion on the best option to meet their needs

Ask them a lot of questions and patiently guide them through the process of choosing the best treatment They’ll be more likely to follow treatment plans and less likely to feel dissatisfied if they have a two-way conversation with the doctor about the best course of action