According to a survey by the Physicians Foundation, doctors work an average of 51 a week and see about 20 patients a day. That means there’s not a lot of time to spend with each individual. This makes the communication between patient and physician very important. Treating a patient goes beyond just treating an ailment. Studies have shown that doctors with good patient communication skills have a positive impact on a patient’s mental health, compliance, and overall satisfaction.
In addition, having a greater understanding of your patients can lead to a reduction in miscommunication and even improved job satisfaction. So while time may be short, it’s important that you focus on effective patient communication. The five tips below will get you started.
#1 Never Appear Rushed
Yes, you’re busy, but patients don’t have to know that. They want to feel like they’re the only patient you’re seeing that day. In fact, if you act rushed and dismissive, it will damage the positive lines of good patient communication you’ve worked hard to build.
- Refrain from looking at your watch or your phone.
- Don’t stand near the door ready to go.
- Always focus your attention on the patient.
- Don’t be preoccupied with what’s happening outside of the exam room.
Patients feel valued and understood when they believe you are fully present with them.
#2 Don’t Omit Pleasantries
It sounds fairly basic, but entering the room with a smile, calling the patient by name, and sitting down so you’re at eye level with them can go a long way toward relaxing them and fostering open communication. Research proves that patients who report good communication with their doctors are “more likely to be satisfied with their care, and more likely to share pertinent information for accurate diagnosis of their problems, follow advice, and adhere to the prescribed treatment.
- Enter the room with a smile.
- Call the patient by name.
- Sit down to be at eye level with the patient.
All that can start if you take a genuine interest in each and every patient and engage in simple pleasantries.
#3 Listen Without Interrupting
According to the J Gen Intern Med, patients on average have 11 seconds to explain the reasons for their visit before physicians interrupt. However, if the doctor lets them speak longer, they will tell you what brought them into the doctor’s office.
- Let patients speak without interruptions.
- Actively listen to their concerns.
- Understand that more comprehensive answers come from uninterrupted conversation.
Taking the time to actively listen to your patients without interrupting can lead to more comprehensive answers.
#4 Empower Your Patients
Some patients are intimidated by physicians and feel the power is entirely in their hands, so in order to foster better communication, give your patients a greater sense of participation in their care.
- Clearly explain all the options available.
- Encourage questions and discussion.
- Ensure that the lines of communication are open.
By empowering them, you enable patients to take an active role in their care plan.
#5 Use Technology
Technology can help with effective patient communication. Platforms like Porton’s secure messaging offer significant benefits to patients leading to quicker responses and higher satisfaction levels. Secure messaging reduces administrative costs by automating processes, allowing healthcare providers to focus on delivering quality care. With robust data protection measures like encryption and multi-factor authentication, patient privacy is ensured, guarding against cyber threats and unauthorized access. Additionally, streamlined scheduling processes enhance efficiency in hospitals and clinics, optimizing staff utilization and reducing wait times through secure appointment scheduling.
Technology can be a bridge to better communication. Use it to your advantage.
Wrapping it up
Patients will remember how you made them feel and how you communicated with them. So even if time feels shorter than ever, it’s critical that you make the most of the time you have with each patient.
Take a look at your patient communication style and adjust it based on the needs of your patients. By including them in their care and opening up the lines of communication, you’ll most likely find increased patient satisfaction, compliance, and retention rates—not to mention a renewed sense of satisfaction in your work. To learn more visit portonhealth.com or email connect@portonhealth.com
