A big part of medical practice management is tailoring a practice to the patients' needs and comfort, and that goes beyond simply providing care. For care to be effective, patients must trust the staff and be willing to follow doctors' orders or return for additional care. If patients are coming from a place of vulnerability—perhaps from a group that has been marginalized by the healthcare system or from undergoing a process that is physically and mentally tiring—effective care begins from a place of awareness and sensitivity. This FAQ focuses on things that private gynecology practices can do to help patients feel more at ease.
- Why do some patients seem uncomfortable when I have a student shadowing with me? Your patient may already know you, but they do not know your student. There are a few rules that physicians should follow while being shadowed during professional duties. These include things like asking the patient's permission and ensuring that the student knows the practice's policies and is always supervised.
- How can I balance my need for some emotional detachment as an IVF specialist while being thoughtful of patient sensitivity? The in vitro fertilization (IVF) process is emotional for both patients and their physicians. Physicians want to be successful and help their patients achieve healthy pregnancies, but being too detached from the process to shield yourself from the emotional let-downs can let patients down, too. Learn more about what patients expect from their reproductive endocrinologists and how to be a good partner during the IVF process.
- How can I be more sensitive in patient care for diverse populations? Gynecologists are likely excited to see a more diverse group of patients coming through their doors. Because some individuals are coming from a place of vulnerability, including LGBTQIA+ patients and patients of color, clinicians may be interested to learn there are direct steps they can take to make these patients more comfortable and satisfied with their medical care.
- Is there a connection between music and mood in the medical setting? If you thought the television in the waiting room was helping anxious patients, think again. Music has been shown to help with preoperative anxiety by lowering blood pressure and making a wait more tolerable. Learn more about how to choose background music for your medical practice, and how it could benefit both patients and staff.
- Are there practical guides for physician use of social media? When physicians use social media, one of the first issues that comes to mind is patient privacy. Most medical professionals recognize the boundaries of privacy because they are regulated by laws. There is sparse information out there regarding how physicians should protect private information and how they might be perceived online. Find out what physicians need to consider when using social media for marketing and networking.
- How close are we to using AI in healthcare, and could it benefit my patients soon? Experts are certain that artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to change the way medicine is practiced. A major hindrance of this technology, however, is the amount of data needed to create algorithms that help AI make decisions. One potentially close use of AI in healthcare is interpreting images like ultrasounds and performing repetitive tasks to free up clinicians' time. AI may allow providers to spend more time with patients while relying on safe and confidential technology to provide accurate diagnostics.
Patients can lose trust in their healthcare providers for a variety of reasons, and lack of sensitivity is a major one. Medical practice management should reflect the patient populations and environment of 2022. Patients do not expect every detail of their healthcare experience to be perfect, but they do expect to see their physicians striving to understand when their situations might require a little extra effort.
