Last Updated Feb 2013
Effective communication with patients is the foundation of providing quality health care. Without it, your patients may feel anxious and powerless. They do their best to complete a course but after that, they are left with questions such as "what now?" and "why?" Allow them to manage their health care needs by providing necessary information.
Get involved with your patients to create a comfortable experience in your therapy practice. Are you wondering what they're actually thinking? Here are 10 statements that they may want you to be aware of:
- Perfection doesn't matter. I just need to assure myself that I can rely on you.
- You can express your actual mood right now and be honest if you're not in a good mood. In fact, I may even help you feel appreciative. Look at the brighter side, you get to go home without any pain!
- I hope you could understand what I'm going through and my functional limitations.
- A good joke, a little giggle and an 'aha' moment can make me forget why I'm at your therapy clinic to visit you.
- Sometimes, it's good if you let me do the talking and just listen.
- Yes, you may take your break if you have to. Grab a bite so you can re-energize yourself to take good care of me, your patient.
- You don't have to speak loudly. I could be disoriented, but a genuine smile can make my day.
Your academic success only counts if you are doing an extraordinary job with my medications and therapy treatments.
- Don't spend too much time on thinking about your physical appearance. As long as you can see me and offer excellent therapy services, I'm good.
- Regardless of how delicate life can be, appreciate of what you have and make the most of it. Seeing you keeping a positive attitude brings me a sense of fulfillment.
Patients enter the doors of your clinic with a lot of expectations. Don't dissapoint them by being distant. Improve your relationship with your patients to give excellent care. This is truly healing.
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About the Author: Cynthia Howard, RN, CNC, PhD is a Professional Coach that can help you master your mental game so you can master your life. Using rapid release tools to breakthrough, Cynthia can help you to transform stress and live your life well.