Working in healthcare is your dream. You delight in helping patients and want to provide them with the best possible experience.
You know you’re good at your job, but like any excellent healthcare provider, you’re always searching for ways to better serve your patients. Here are a few ideas that can help you become even more effective at your job.
3 Tips to Deliver the Best Patient Care
Show Compassion
Patients want to feel like you care about them. Engage in small talk and share personal stories — of course, those that fall within appropriate privacy and conduct guidelines — to put them at ease and make them feel comfortable opening up to you.
Those who are sick and injured are especially vulnerable, so be cognizant of their feelings. Deliver information in a kind and caring manner, instead of just reciting cold, hard facts.
Listen Attentively
When patients voice their concerns, let them know you’re listening. Techniques like mirroring — i.e., using similar gestures or posture to the patient — and active listening — i.e., maintaining eye contact, leaning forward, and nodding your head while the patient is speaking — make it clear you’re fully engaged in the conversation. This shows the patient you’re interested in what they have to say and committed to helping them.
Avoid Using Complex Medical Terms
You’ve been well-versed in medical terminology since you were in school. Therefore, it’s so deeply ingrained in your vocabulary, you don’t think twice about using it. The thing is, people who don’t work in the medical field — i.e., patients — don’t understand these terms. When you use them in conversation, they don’t know what you’re talking about.
Some will speak up and ask you to clarify, but others will remain silent while having little idea what you said. Avoid this by considering your audience before you speak. Make your explanations easy to understand and always end the conversation by asking patients if they have any questions.
Ready to take the next step in your healthcare career? Management Registry, Inc. is here to help you find the perfect fit for your skills and interests. Contact us today to get started!