01 May 3 Tips for Healthcare Practitioners to Transform Bedside Manner
The COVID-19 pandemic was stressful in a variety of ways for healthcare practitioners on the front lines. Many physicians and other health professionals experienced burnout symptoms due to increased hours on the job – often leading to less-than-perfect interactions with patients. In many cases, patient interactions became shorter, with physicians and nurses spending only the necessary amount of time in patient’s rooms. But now that the worst of the pandemic is over, ensuring a good bedside manner is an important skill to have and should return to being a high priority. In this post, we will discuss effective ways to have a positive bedside manner.
A Patient-First Mentality
The ability to convey genuine concern and interest in a patient is an integral and inseparable part of the medical communications process. How a patient is dealt with can make or break important interactions, either encouraging an honest discussion or putting off the patient. Good bedside manner is more than looking professional or cracking a joke with patients. A positive health professional/patient relationship can result in a difference in health outcomes. In fact, patients who feel more comfortable with their caregiver are likely to feel less stress or “white coat syndrome” and follow their recommended treatment plan.
Here are 3 tips to help physicians and other healthcare professionals improve the caregiver/patient relationship:
1. Smile and Introduce Yourself
Any healthcare practitioner dealing with a patient should take a minute to introduce themselves and explain their role in the care process. A good tip is to ask a couple of questions about the patient – where they live, what they do for work, etc. – to help break the ice.
Throughout this process, it’s important to provide full attention to the patient – offering a few extra measures of comfort while providing reassurance that could improve their morale.
2. Listen, Don’t Rush
Many healthcare professionals already have a diagnosis in their heads before they hear what their patients have to say. But for a potentially better outcome, it’s important to listen to what they’re communicating and then talking it through.
A patient knows how they feel, so listen for anomalies or inconsistencies – even if they aren’t totally right. The bottom line is, that if the patient feels that the provider isn’t listening, they’re either going to get cranky or stop talking altogether. Neither is good!
If a provider truly listens, it helps build patient trust. Patients appreciate when what’s important to them is being taken seriously, including having someone’s absolute attention, especially in a patient/healthcare provider situation.
3. Choose the Right Words
Speaking in a manner that the patient can relate to goes a long way toward building a bond of understanding and trust. Avoiding excessive medical jargon can help diffuse a stressful situation – and choosing the right words can keep the patient from becoming overly concerned. These include:
- “I’m here for you.”
- “I’ve performed this procedure XXX times.”
- “What can I do to make you more comfortable?”
- “Did what I just talked about make sense? Did you want me to repeat anything?”
Listen and observe the patient’s reaction – then offer to answer questions and explain the deeper implications of their situation.
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At Annashae, we are deeply committed to connecting exceptionally talented clinical professionals with both short and long-term career opportunities. Being a prominent medical staffing and consulting company serving clients nationwide, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to assist our candidates in swiftly securing the ideal position that aligns with their requirements and goals. If you are eager to advance your clinical career and explore exciting job prospects, reach out to us today for more information and personalized guidance.