Connecting with patients should be a top priority for any medical practice. Communication is critical to providing a high level of quality care and establishing a strong patient-doctor relationship. As our society changes so do our patients and their needs. Today they are searching for better relationships and more open communication with their healthcare providers. To fulfill their needs, practices must expand their communication strategies, not only during visits, but outside the office as well. Here are four ways to communicate with patients between visits.
Target your email audience.
No one wants irrelevant junk emails clogging up their inbox, especially your patients. Ensure any email communication includes individualized, pertinent content. Making sure the right patient gets the right message adds value to the relationship and encourages patients to take action to better their health.
Build your social media.
Utilize social media and a quality website to engage with your patients. Patients want a simple way to connect, so give it to them. Effortless social posts that answer frequently asked questions or provide a tip of the day remind your patients that you are always there. Include an informative blog on your website and an online patient portal so your patients can easily access their records and important documents.
Create informative newsletters.
Whatever method you choose to send out your newsletters, ensure that they are educational and useful. Newsletters are effective in educating patients about their health and building trust, but more importantly it keeps your practice fresh in their minds and opens up the lines of communication.
Gather feedback.
Surveys have two purposes – to gather feedback and to educate. While there are some obvious drawbacks to taking surveys, some of the data can be helpful to your practice, your doctors and patients. Questionnaires create a dialogue between providers and patients. They answer questions about waiting times, and key staff members – even office atmosphere issues can be addressed and improved. While all these are critical in improving a medical practice, surveys also increase patient engagement and stimulate communication.
Ultimately, a practice’s ability to interact with patients inside and outside of the office will play a huge role in building a strong patient-provider relationship. Developing communication methods that nurture this relationship will help keep patients satisfied, engaged and loyal to the practice.
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