If there is one thing that is important to consider in the relationship between a doctor and a patient, it is trust. Trust, when lost, is not easily restored. That is why it is important for the medical provider to establish a rapport with a patient to provide them with proper medical care.
While establishing trust is a meticulous process that takes time and experience, it can be done. Specifically, for doctors, there are certain concepts that have to be mastered in order to fully ensure that both parties are comfortable with each other.
Here are some ways that doctors can start on the road of trust-building with their patients. For more information on this process, follow the example set by Dr. Alfred Sparman, who has a positive reputation with those in his care.
Make Direct Eye Contact
The power of establishing trust comes with important physical cues. One such important physical cue is making direct eye contact when you are engaging in a discourse with the patient. The patient should be the priority, and you want to make sure that they feel prioritized. One of the easiest ways this can be accomplished is to look the client right in the eye.
Eye contact is an action that conveys caring, focus and attention. If the patient sees that you are putting in notes on the computer, on your phone or wandering somewhere else, they will not feel they are an immediate concern. It would be much better for you to schedule a time where you know you will most likely not be preoccupied in other affairs. Ensure that you give the patient your undivided attention and proceed with the topic of discussion.
Listen
The art of listening is a lost concept in today’s world. We can hear each other because our ears work, but we do not like listening. When a patient is talking, listening, and not just hearing to what they are saying, is an important bridge to cross to build trust.
Patients can often find themselves to be in very vulnerable states, and everyone wants to feel heard in those times. If you are a doctor, what you should be focusing on is listening and taking note of what the patient has to say. Then, after you are done listening to them, you should have a time to reflect on what they are saying and what implications it could have for both parties.
The patient also wants to know that you received the message and fully understand what they are trying to say. Making a concerted attempt to have a productive interaction could reduce burnout and will be good for both the physician and the patient. Dr. Alfred Sparman has found communication to be a fundamental building block in the process of building trust with his patients.
Respect the Patient’s Autonomy
Building trust also ensures that you are fully aware of the patient’s right. One of the most powerful rights endowed to a patient is the power of autonomy. This means that the patient is able to make informed decisions, even if you disagree with the course of action. It is your responsibility to fully educate them and make sure they aware of the options available at their disposal.
However, you also have to respect the patient’s decision, regardless of your personal opinions. Your job as a doctor is not to tell them what to, but to listen to them and help them make a decision. Even if it is a decision you do not agree with, the patient still has the right to make it for themselves. As long as they are fully aware of what happens with whatever path they take, their freedom to make decisions for themselves should be respected.
Verify Accuracy
Sometimes, managing health care can be a very complex undertaking, and there may be many concepts that the patient will not understand. Before ending a discourse with the patient, you should ensure that they understand what you were saying. You can check your notes and then verify if the patient understands.
This also has to do with contact information. Mistakes happen all the time, but time is of the essence in health care. In the worst-case scenario that something urgent comes up, you will not want to be set back because you made a mistake in reaching out to them. Show them the information that they relayed to you, and verify if everything looks correct.
As you can see, trust is an important part of the relationship between a doctor and a patient. Follow some of these tips, and you will be one step closer in making sure that the patient can entrust you for not only information, but care.
