The Benefits of Using Patient-Centric Communication

Why You Need Patient-Centric Communication

Building trust and strong relationships with patients is foundational for providers to ensure patients feel comfortable sharing health concerns or issues with them.

However, outside of an annual check-in or when they’re already sick, patients typically don’t have much interaction with their provider or practice which can make it difficult to foster any type of relationship.

Providing patient-centric messages doesn’t have to be very long and thorough messages, but they should involve some personalization to indicate that it was meant for them.

For example, if during a recent visit, a patient with diabetes had higher-than-normal blood glucose, sending a check-in text asking them if their levels are normal can be a good way to spot potential issues before they worsen.

In this blog, we highlight challenges that can arise from not having patient-centric communication and the benefits when implementing it.

Challenges of Using Patient-Centric Communication

1. Personalized Care

‍Each person is different, and the one-size-fits-all approach no longer works in healthcare.

2. Reactive vs. Proactive Visits‍

Most patients aren't in the office unless there's already an issue or just for a regular check-up, which can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention.

3. Limited Time and Memory‍

Patients often forget what to ask or feel like they don't have enough time during their short appointment, leading to unaddressed concerns.

4. Lack of Understanding

‍Patients don't feel like their doctor understands their unique concerns, potentially causing frustration and dissatisfaction.

5. Unheard Concerns‍

Patients often feel like they're not being heard, which can erode trust and confidence in their healthcare providers.

Benefits of Using Patient-Centric Communication

1. Regular Check-Ins‍

Implementing regular check-ins helps healthcare practices have a pulse on what's happening with patients, facilitating early detection and intervention.

2. Information and Context‍

Regular communication gives patients an opportunity to share additional information and context about their health, leading to more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

3. Building Relationships‍

Patient-centric communication helps patients better know their healthcare provider and practice, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration.

4. Early Detection‍

By maintaining open channels of communication, healthcare providers can flag any irregularities and health concerns before they escalate, leading to better health outcomes.

5. Enhanced Patient Satisfaction‍

When patients feel heard and understood, they are more satisfied with their care, leading to stronger patient-provider relationships and better overall healthcare experiences.

How you can Implement Patient-Centric Communication

Using Tellescope’s HIPAA-compliant platform, digital health, and in-person practices are able to engage patients through their preferred channel and automatically send personalized check-ins to each patient so nothing slips through the cracks.

If you’re interested in learning how Tellescope can help your business, fill out the form below.