Building Patient Trust: Essential Strategies for Better Healthcare
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Building trust and rapport with my patients and their families is important for many reasons. First, it encourages honest and open communication. Patients may be more inclined to share sensitive information and their feelings and concerns, all of which play into patient-centered and individualized care. A strong patient-provider relationship also provides opportunities for shared-decision making, leaving patients feeling involved in their care and treatment plan. Ultimately, this can make patients feel more understood and increase their adherence to treatment and follow-up.
For me, building rapport and patient trust starts right as you walk into the patient’s room since I think first impressions go a long way. So, kindly introducing myself and asking the patient how they are doing opens the conversation. I try to ask mostly open-ended questions and use closed-ended questions as needed. In addition, I have found that asking the patient about their feelings and showing empathy and compassion helps build rapport while reducing any stress or anxiety. During the visit, I also maintain a caring attitude through the tone of my voice, facial expressions, and body language, and use clear, transparent communication. At the end of the visit, I ask the patient about their questions or concerns. By prioritizing these strategies, I can cultivate strong, trusting relationships with patients and their families, leading to a more positive healthcare experience and ultimately, better health outcomes.