Treating a patient is often more complex than just addressing symptoms and their underlying causes. A multitude of factors can play a role in diagnosis, treatment and outcome, and healthcare professionals must consider a patient-centered approach to best help their patients.
While the topic of what influences health, perception, treatment and outcomes is incredibly involved and requires an in-depth analysis to understand more fully, focusing on a patient-centered approach is a good place to start.
Take a patient-centered approach: The importance of trust and how to build it
Patient trust leads to better outcomes
Research has shown patients who trust their healthcare providers believe their treatment is more effective. They report a higher quality of life, fewer symptoms and more satisfaction with the care they received. That’s where a patient-centered approach comes into play. When patients have faith in their providers, they (at the very least) perceive their outcomes to be more positive than if they distrust them.
Build trust with a patient-centered approach
The value of trust in a patient-provider relationship is clear and something that should be prioritized. It can be easy to slip into the mindset of treating the condition rather than the person, leading to a more sterile professional relationship that omits the humanity of both parties involved. Changing from a treatment-centered approach to a patient-centered approach can help reverse this trend and build healthy trust between you and your patients.
Establish a patient-centered approach
Meet patients where they are: Different patients have different barriers to overcome. From insurance coverage to transportation, there are multiple factors that can affect someone’s ability to conveniently access care. Understanding these obstacles and working with patients to develop a plan unique to them and their circumstances is key to creating a patient-centered approach.
Treat patients as individuals: Everyone has different backgrounds, experiences and perceptions. These and other factors can influence how they perceive and communicate pain, and in a well-rounded chiropractic practice, they should play a substantial role in how you approach treatment. To fully realize a patient’s situation, take a patient-centered approach and treat them as the individual they are. In the end, you will build trust and gain a deeper understanding of how to help.
Listen and communicate: Often, there is an unavoidable power dynamic between doctor and patient creating a distance and mistrust. One party is the expert and authority, while the other is not. To remove this barrier and instill a feeling of trust, use a patient-centered approach and try to listen first and communicate with empathy. Sometimes, this means taking a step back from your roles as expert and healer and creating a space where your patient can freely share their experiences and thoughts. This sets the groundwork for communication, which is the foundation for trust.
Exhibit genuine care and interest: For many DCs, this comes easily, especially early in their careers. Maintaining a true investment in the well-being and outcomes of your patients and adopting a patient-centered approach will make you more approachable and authentic. Patients can tell when you truly care, as opposed to when you are fulfilling an obligation or performing a job.
Final thoughts
Being truly patient-centered means taking time and care to let patients’ trust in you grow and develop, which hinges on excellent communication, meeting them where they are, and taking a genuine interest in their well-being.
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