From the moment a patient steps in your door to the second they leave, it is critical to ensure they feel happy and healthy after each appointment; and here are four tips to achieve this.
1. Create a Comfortable Environment
A tranquil environment within your practice can ease a patient’s nerves and improve their overall experience, especially if it is their first time receiving aesthetic or dermatologic care. Try playing relaxing music, display welcoming decor and provide patients with a comfortable and clean waiting area. Coffee, tea and some reading materials are also great additions that can make your patients feel at home. Additionally, diffusing essential oils with relaxing scents can help transform the office environment.
Inside the treatment rooms, patients are most comfortable when they know a standard of cleanliness is being upheld, but try to avoid using harsh-smelling chemicals or fragrances.
2. Be Empathetic, Show Interest
Showing empathy for your patient’s concerns and building personal connections can make their experience enjoyable and memorable. As medical practitioners, we often deal with sensitive information, so showing empathy can ease patients who are wary of the process. In addition, connecting with patients about topics in their personal life can help create a bond that goes beyond business-customer relationships to the point that they trust you and readily recommend your services to others.
Challenge yourself to learn one interest of each of your patients and talk with them about that topic the next time they come into your clinic – even write it down in their chart to jog your memory.
3. Focus on Patient Education, Not Sales
Many patients can be anxious when visiting the clinic, so it is important to provide in-depth information about the treatment they are receiving.
Start by investing in a user-friendly website for your practice; it should offer reputable and up-to-date information on your services and the conditions you treat. In addition, a blog and an FAQ section is a great way to deliver easily digestible content and answer many questions that patients might have before making the initial contact. Be sure to also include your placements in the media and any awards or certifications your clinic or clinicians have, as these show your future patients that you are a reputable medical provider, and that your expert insights are valued and trusted. Social media can also be a valuable way to share the behind-the-scenes of your practice and treatments, and offers ways to engage with and educate your patients.
Education can also take place in the clinic. During a consultation, ask patients about their concerns and follow-up with clarifying questions. You can also reassure them at any point by telling them that it takes courage to prioritize their health when life can be so hectic.
Next, explain the potential condition and conduct any tests needed. Once a condition is diagnosed, help the patient understand the suggested treatment, how it suits their needs and what side effects they may experience. It is helpful for the patient to understand your reasons for recommending a specific therapy or procedure.
Finally, before starting treatment, go through the steps with the patient and be transparent about any discomfort they may experience during the procedure. Also, run through the steps for aftercare with the patient before the procedure to be sure they understand. After the procedure, go over these steps again and give them any products or prescriptions they need to start their recovery.
4. Encourage Feedback
Show your continued commitment to patient satisfaction by allowing clients to provide constructive feedback based on their experience. Patient feedback is some of the most valuable information you can receive to help improve your practice. A short and straightforward questionnaire can provide accurate information, mitigate any issues, and provide valuable knowledge on how to continue improving your patient experience. Create a feedback questionnaire and send it to your patients after they have completed their sessions with you so you can identify their satisfaction levels and areas where your clinic can improve.
Creating the ultimate patient experience comes down to caring for your patients as individuals. In order to show that you care, create a comfortable environment, prioritize communication and patient education, and seek feedback. Following these tips will ensure patients feel satisfied after visiting your clinic and will encourage them to return and refer others to your care.
