In the field of healthcare, the emphasis is always on providing better care to patients. The care process has the foundations of trust between doctor and patient, like a teacher and a student. That is because the base medical practices benefit from overall knowledge and learning of patient condition. The trust factor improves the relation as patients believe they receive the best quality service as a result. Physicians and practitioners need to keep their interaction with patients and learn about their condition. This awareness is about the development of trust and provides the patients with long-lasting care practices.
Sometimes successful marketing is about going the extra mile to make your presence known. Similarly, practitioners need to go the extra mile to provide care and support their patients for better care and experience. Here we compile a few simple ways for practitioners to go beyond their routine practice and give the patients a better experience. These include:
- Answering Patients on Social Media
With the use of social media today, the management of their profiles has become easy for practitioners. These professionals have someone who actively manages their social media accounts and responds to the queries immediately. A simple response that you are glad to hear from your patients and actively answering their questions will give a lasting impression on the patient. Most of the time, your patients might not need anything, but they will feel glad that you have responded and engaged. Your simple response will create a ripple effect, and your patients will tell others about the swift service you have provided. Another additional way of going the extra mile is to send regular updates to clients and keeping them informed about new services and methods. Once your patients feel engaged and valued, they will likely consider your services.
- Providing Free Internet
Another way to go the extra mile in providing comfort to patients is to offer free internet. Often after an online masters in public health, practitioners learn that even the smallest gestures can positively impact them. Nowadays, everybody uses smartphones, so providing free internet will make their waiting time easier in a clinical setting.
Delays are an inevitable factor for medical practitioners and professionals. Whether it is due to a lengthy surgery or the doctor took extra time in making a diagnosis. Unavoidable waiting times in clinical settings create impatient and worried patients. Offering free internet is one way to mitigate frustration and give them something to do in waiting time. Place a sign at the main desk that provides username and password, and they will surely appreciate your initiative.
- Place a Snack Machine
Having to see your doctor for an illness is stressful enough and waiting for their turn makes them frustrating. To mitigate this frustration, place a coffee stand or a snack vending machine to make their waiting time more comfortable. Nothing gets people more excited than free food or at least at a low price to show them you care. Often, it will change someone’s day and make them feel relieved from all the daily turmoil.
If you want to make it extra impressive, have your assistant or any other personnel hand them the snack and treat them with a smile. It will especially go a long way for children who tend to make noise, and a delicious snack will calm them down. It may sound crazy, but it can make a difference between a disastrous or better review. Placing a snack machine in a clinical setting will keep your patients engaged and their energy levels on the right path.
- Give Them Thank You Cards
Another great way to make your patients feel special and go the extra mile is to hand them thank you cards. You do not need to give them a card at every visit; instead, you can mail those cards on special occasions and thank them. You can also hand them a thank you card after a serious surgery or a greeting card around the holidays. Your patients have spent their hard-earned money and valuable time with you, and the least you can do is to thank them. Spending a few cents on greeting cards will not only make your patients feel special it will also make your image much more friendly.
- Create an Event
You can also hold events that allow patients to talk to doctors freely. For instance, you can have an event where the patients can ask doctors of different locations and backgrounds to connect with patients. The event can take place via video link or in-person guest speaking. Welcome your patients to join in, mingle, and have a discussion. You can invite local doctors and professionals to the event to provide valuable information to patients. You can think about an out of the box idea and pay for their continued support and visits with kind gestures. You can also hold events on special occasions and make your clients feel valuable and unique always.
- Holiday Giveaways and Food Drives
Many people hold free give away or food drives to promote their business. The same goes for doctors and healthcare practitioners. You can contact a local organization or event planner to hold a holiday event where you can invite your particular clients and offer free giveaways. A small food drive, gifting, or any other activity makes your patients feel valued significantly. You can take it a bit further and hold an event every month and a grand event annually. Be active in your community, and patients will love you for giving them something in return.
Final Word
Going the extra mile for patients is the best way to make them feel unique and valuable. Patients need some effort that shows that their practitioner values their visits and consideration. Not only you make them feel special, but you will also boost their morale. It inspires patients to engage in bonding with professionals on a deeper level.
