Despite how often people attempt to self-diagnose their medical problems with a web search, most patients still rely on their doctors to evaluate and explain their health. In today's increasingly consumer-centric healthcare environment, a positive doctor-patient relationship and communication, from the initial visit through to diagnosis and treatment is vital.
Meeting the Increasing Demand for Personalized Care
On average, doctors spend 13 to 16 minutes with their patients, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The quality of the doctor-patient relationship depends on how you use those minutes. Your patients are used to shopping and entertainment services that know what cereal they eat, who their favorite musician is and what kinds of books they read. Although this knowledge is based on algorithms and not personal interactions, consumers are conditioned to expect a certain level of personalization from the services they use.
Your patients want to feel respected, heard and like you know them personally. A medical record can give you a lot of background and keep patients from having to repeat their health history multiple times. The rest comes from listening. With a limited amount of time, it's understandable to want to jump in and tell patients what they should do. But the key to a positive patient experience is actively listening and showing empathy and compassion.
Shared Decision-Making in the Diagnostic Process
Once you have the medical history and information from a physical exam, patients want to be included in decisions for diagnostic tests and treatment plans. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that shared decision-making boosts patient satisfaction and improves outcomes.
So how do you include patients in the diagnostic process? First, don't be afraid to share complex health information with them. Information must be adapted to the patient's health literacy level, but a Prophet study found that women are proactive consumers and feel confident in their basic understanding of health information.
When it comes to testing, talk through the options with your patient. Ultrasound is a convenient, comfortable and cost-effective first choice for diagnostic imaging in many cases. It also helps instill confidence in the provider and the diagnosis. Because the test is done in real time, you can further explore points of pain or sensitivity. You can also explain findings as you're seeing them.
Even if you share results after the exam, you can create slices and produce images from any angle with a 3D ultrasound. This allows you to show the patient detailed images of masses or other issues so you can thoroughly explain what's happening and lay a foundation to discuss treatment options.
3D Ultrasound - Adnexal Mass
A Positive Doctor-Patient Relationship Leads to Better Outcomes
A strong doctor-patient relationship leads to better adherence to treatment plans. Work together with your patient to talk her through the diagnosis and possible treatment options. This doesn't necessarily have to be done in the office. Your patient can go home with printed materials, online resources or decision aids and follow up later with questions.
The dynamic between patients and physicians is changing as patients become more savvy consumers, and medical professionals must be prepared to meet their increasing demand for personalized care. Taking time to listen and involving patients in decisions about their health, from diagnostics to treatment and recovery, can produce stronger bonds and better outcomes.
