7 Tips for Patient-Centered Care
By Chika Ekweozor
Pharmacist, Freelance Content and Health Writer, Researcher
Nigeria
Introduction by Venkat
It is said that laughter is the best preventive medicine for one’s health. When it comes to corrective medicine, kindness is the best antidote because only it can touch and assuage the feelings in a place that no medicine can reach – one’s heart. Caring by itself is spiritually uplifting and considering the limited time one has as a healthcare professional, some spiritual principles help to catalyze in the relationship chemistry needed for patient care. On the same lines, Ms. Chika highlights seven key practices, based on deeper human values, to ensure the care becomes the best experience for the patient as well as the healthcare practitioner. Grateful to her for sharing her thoughts and wisdom through the platform here. I am confident these tips will be valuable to all healthcare professionals in the medical industry.
7 Tips for Patient-Centered Care
As I often do, talking to healthcare professionals about the importance of loving your patients and colleagues might raise eyebrows.
Patient-centered care is the expectation for every healthcare facility. It entails holistic care. Patient care is an integral part of the patient experience. Patients who receive patient-centered care are more satisfied and willing to comply with their medical treatment, which leads to positive health outcomes.
Unfortunately, kindness may be the last thing on your mind during a clinical encounter, especially when a patient is being less than cooperative.
1. Practice good manners.
Of course, health professionals always strive to be polite, but sometimes in an emergency or an otherwise rushed situation, this can be difficult. Anxiety can be contagious, so it is important to be calm in front of your patient. Be sure to give them a warm smile. Make eye contact when speaking with them. Even if the clock is ticking, avoid rushed body language such as foot tapping. Also, every time you meet a new patient or a new member of the patient’s family, introduce yourself and briefly explain what you do. Open communication and positive body language are fundamental to establishing trust.
2. Get to know your patients.
It can become easy to rush through the day and see patients as names on charts or patient numbers instead of individuals. The lack of personal interaction with patients happens more frequently. Compassionate care sometimes means slowing down, being patient, and getting to know your patient. Showing an interest in your patients is one of the fastest ways to strengthen relationships, which promotes positive patient outcomes.
3. Show genuine interest.
Sometimes all it takes to demonstrate is to let your patients know you care by being interested in things that matter to them. You do not have to know every detail about a person to show interest and make them feel valued. Be an interested listener, and pay attention.
4. Take the time to think about what they have been through.
Sometimes patients may seem rather irritated and a little less than friendly. Understanding what may be going on in their life may explain why they are acting that way and help you to not take it personally or to respond in kind.
5. Always acknowledge their feelings.
Imagine being a patient whose health is failing and who feels like no one cares about what you’re going through. Taking the time to listen to your patients and acknowledge their thoughts and feelings is one of the greatest acts of compassion you can show. It only takes a few seconds to express your empathy. Try to remember to use statements like “I understand” instead of “I know.” Even if you have been in the patient’s exact health situation, “I know how you feel.” can cause some to feel dismissed, rather than empathized with.
6. Be present.
Being present means more than offering your physical presence in the room. To truly be present for your patients, look them in the eye, and respond when appropriate. Listen intently, and don’t let your thoughts wander elsewhere, as patients will notice if you are not paying attention or seem disinterested. Even if you are short of time, convey a sense of having time for the patient by facing them and listening to them, giving them the opportunity to respond, reflect and react to your questions.
7. Lastly, take care of yourself.
It is not uncommon to become so involved with work and providing for the needs of patients that you overlook your own needs. It is difficult to show compassion when you are exhausted physically and mentally. It is impossible to care well for others if you do not first care for yourself.
By Chika Ekweozor
Pharmacist, Freelance Content and Health Writer, Researcher
Nigeria
I am a Pharmacist, Public Health Enthusiast, Researcher and Freelance Health Writer.
I am passionate about volunteering, pharmaceutical care and leadership. I have healthcare and patient care experience and this enables me to participate in a wide range of activities, which has helped me gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care. I am open to research collaborations and projects. I also create content and write articles on various health-related topics and niches.
Editorial Support, Adaptive Instruction: Megha Elza John