— By customizing our practices, we can enhance the care experience for all
by
Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA
July 20, 2024
Lazarus is an accessory teacher of psychiatry.
My child, who resides in Honolulu, was enjoying his early morning latte at his preferred coffeehouse. He texted me and stated, “The guy at the register remembered you from in 2015. He states you are ‘very remarkable!'”
“Funny,” I responded, “I do not remember him!”
The male’s remark that I am “incredibly unforgettable” resonates with me. I’ve discovered that the cliché “impressions count” applies in the majority of circumstances, particularly in health care. These preliminary interactions can considerably affect how clients view their care and how doctor remember their clients. Impressions in health care can set the tone for future interactions and relationships. They can impact a client’s convenience level, trust, and general experience. It’s a tip of the enduring effect that even inform encounters can have on both clients and suppliers, as impressions can be made within 50 milliseconds to 7 seconds.
It does not take a great deal of effort to make a favorable impression: present yourself; smile and make eye contact; acknowledge issues and supply peace of mind (when possible); ask the client whether they are comfy; regard their time and excuse long waits. Naturally, there is more you can do to put clients at ease, however the point is that a favorable impression can promote trust, lower stress and anxiety, and improve client complete satisfaction.
When clients are welcomed, appreciated, and comprehended from the start, they are most likely to engage honestly with their doctor, abide by medical recommendations, and follow through with treatment strategies. This can result in much better health results and a more effective health care procedure.
On the other hand, an unfavorable impression can develop barriers to efficient interaction and trust. Clients who feel di