Healthcare Technology Featured Article

September 12, 2022

5 Communication Tools Doctors Can Harness to Build Patient Trust




Technology is an invaluable asset for doctors aiming to build a strong foundation of trust with their patients.

When harnessed correctly, digital avenues of communication help you foster a solid basis of understanding with patients.

Especially members of younger generations appreciate openness and versatility when it comes to communication channels.

That said, here are five communication tools doctors can leverage to build patient trust.

Video Calls

To begin with, video calls are now practically a staple of many practices, and a great way of fostering trust.

For most patients, video calls are an ordinary element of their everyday lives – whether it’s for office Zoom meetings or to FaceTime their grandkids in another state.

Offering video consultations allows doctors to provide patients with a convenient and highly personal avenue of communication.

Patients will know that their doctors’ entire focus is on them and can show them minor conditions that don’t require physical examination, without having to leave the comfort of their own homes.

Not only does that make appointments much easier to schedule for them. It is also a boon for people suffering from conditions such as social anxiety.

Live Chat

Another communication channel that allows doctors to build patient trust is live chat.

It shares many of the benefits of voice and video calls – it’s both highly personal and immediate. Like video calling, instant messaging is also an ingrained part of most patients’ lives.

However, there are many people who prefer to write to their medical professional, rather than interact via calls.

Members of younger generations in particular often report call anxiety. For them, typing out information, especially if it’s related to sensitive conditions, is often easier.

The same goes for patients who may be suffering from auditory issues.

An Online Appointment Management System

A third staple communication tool that doctors should harness to build patient trust is an online appointment booking system.

While many patients prefer to call in to schedule an appointment, many more prefer to do so online. As with real-time messaging, it often alleviates anxiety by eliminating the need to talk to people.

In addition, online systems that allow patients to schedule, change, or cancel their appointments by themselves also provide maximum flexibility to accommodate doctors’ visits into their busy schedules.

Automated Appointment Reminders

If you want to let patients know you’ve got their back, using a system to send automated reminders of appointments is a great option.

Patients will receive a gentle heads-up well before they are due at your practice or for a video call.

Considering many peoples’ hectic schedules, this is often a blessing. In addition, many conditions can impact memory and time management skills. For affected patients, a gentle reminder is frequently necessary.

Secure File Transfer Options

Finally, one communication tool to gain the trust of patients – especially tech-savvy ones – are secure, encrypted file transfer options.

Many patients are aware of cybersecurity issues and all the dangers that come with digital communication.

By harnessing patently secure options to transfer files, even those of a non-sensitive nature, you can demonstrate that you take their data security seriously.

Conclusion

Effective communication is a cornerstone when it comes to building patient trust. By leveraging the communication channels above, you can demonstrate to your patients that you’re open and flexible and more than happy to accommodate their various communication preferences.



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