One of the simplest yet most effective ways to build trust, create comfort, and gather valuable feedback is to consistently check in with your patients throughout their visit. This practice can transform their experience, making them feel valued and cared for while helping you refine your treatment approach.
When done genuinely and effectively, regular check-ins:
- Build Trust: Patients feel heard and respected.
- Enhance Comfort: You create a safe space where they can express concerns or discomfort.
- Provide Feedback: Real-time insights help you adjust treatments to better meet their needs.
Two Patient Experiences: A Comparison
Imagine these two scenarios:
- Scenario 1: A PT performs hands-on work during the first visit without asking how it feels, whether the pressure is too much, or if symptoms are being reproduced. During exercises, the PT gives directions but doesn’t ask how the movements feel or if they target the intended areas. The session ends with a quick “Nice job, see you Thursday.”
- Scenario 2: A PT recommends hands-on work and consistently checks in during treatment: “How does this feel?” “Does this recreate symptoms?” “Is this comfortable for you?” “Is this targeting the area that’s bothering you?”
During exercises, the PT asks:
- “How does this exercise feel?”
- “Is this comfortable?”
- “Did this relieve or reproduce symptoms?”
The session concludes with a summary:
- “Based on today, you were quite sensitive to the massage and struggled with this exercise. Next time, I want to adjust our approach to better suit your needs. See you Thursday!”
Which experience would leave you more motivated to return?
Practical Ways to Check In
Here’s how you can incorporate check-ins into your daily practice:
- During Hands-On Work: Ask how the treatment feels. Confirm whether it’s recreating symptoms or offering relief. Ensure the patient is comfortable with the pressure and approach.
- During Exercises: Regularly ask how the exercises feel. Check if the movements are targeting the symptomatic area. Adjust based on their feedback.
- With Assistants or Aides: Check in on patients while they’re working with rehab aides or PT assistants. This shows that you’re invested in their progress, even when you’re not directly working with them.
- Before They Leave: Ask about their overall experience. Review what they should focus on between sessions. Outline what you’ll check on during the next visit to keep them motivated and prepared.
- With Other Therapists’ Patients: Take a moment to check in with patients who aren’t on your schedule, but are seeing someone else. This simple gesture demonstrates genuine care for their well-being and strengthens their connection to your facility.
Consistent check-ins are a small effort with a big impact. They improve patient satisfaction, foster trust, and provide you with actionable insights to tailor care effectively. By making this a habit, you’ll not only enhance the patient experience but also build a reputation as a compassionate and attentive clinician.
