How can you build patient confidence in communicating their needs?

1 Listen actively

Active listening is more than just hearing what the patient says. It involves paying attention to their verbal and non-verbal cues, asking open-ended questions, reflecting back what you hear, and summarizing the main points. Active listening shows that you care about the patient's perspective, validate their feelings, and clarify their needs. It also helps you identify any gaps, barriers, or misunderstandings that may affect the patient's confidence.

2 Empower the patient

Empowering the patient means supporting them to take an active role in their own health care decisions. You can empower the patient by providing them with relevant information, resources, and options, and encouraging them to ask questions, express their opinions, and negotiate their preferences. You can also help the patient prepare for their appointments, such as by making a list of questions, concerns, or goals, and reviewing them beforehand. Empowering the patient boosts their confidence by increasing their knowledge, skills, and autonomy.

3 Advocate for the patient

Advocating for the patient means representing their interests and rights in the health care system. You can advocate for the patient by communicating their needs clearly and respectfully to the health care providers, ensuring that they understand the information and consent they receive, and facilitating the coordination and continuity of their care. You can also help the patient navigate any challenges, conflicts, or complaints that may arise, and seek solutions that meet their needs. Advocating for the patient enhances their confidence by ensuring that they are heard, respected, and supported.

4 Build rapport

Building rapport means establishing a trusting and respectful relationship with the patient. You can build rapport by being friendly, courteous, and empathetic, showing interest in the patient's personal and cultural background, and respecting their privacy and confidentiality. You can also use positive feedback, humor, and compliments to reinforce the patient's strengths and achievements, and acknowledge their challenges and difficulties. Building rapport increases the patient's confidence by creating a comfortable and safe environment for communication.

5 Model confidence

Modeling confidence means demonstrating your own confidence in communicating with the health care providers and the patient. You can model confidence by using clear and assertive language, maintaining eye contact and body posture, and expressing your opinions and feedback. You can also share your own experiences, insights, and strategies for effective communication, and invite the patient to practice or rehearse with you. Modeling confidence inspires the patient to emulate your behavior and attitude, and learn from your example.

6 Follow up

Following up means checking in with the patient after their appointments or interactions with the health care providers, and evaluating the outcomes and impacts of your communication. You can follow up by asking the patient how they felt, what they learned, and what they achieved, and by providing them with additional information, support, or referrals if needed. You can also celebrate the patient's successes, address any issues or concerns, and plan for the next steps. Following up reinforces the patient's confidence by showing your commitment, appreciation, and feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?