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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTraditionally, helping others includes minimizing symptoms, optimizing prognosis, and emphasizing the importance of lifestyle choices. More recently, we\u2019ve realized that another critical factor should be a part of each treatment plan: social relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defined as<\/a> \u201can individual\u2019s self-report of the quality of his or her relationship with other people, the neighborhood, and the community,\u201d social health plays a crucial role in our overall health. For example, this study<\/a> found that social relationships were as influential on risk for mortality as well-established risk factors for mortality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintaining optimal health requires attention to our physical, mental, and<\/em> social health. As doctors, you can play an important role by establishing a great relationship with every patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s more on why human connection is essential to the healthcare patient experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we have quality relationships that create a sense of belonging and being supported, our minds, bodies, and behaviors benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CDC found<\/a> that people with strong social relationships have a 50 percent increased likelihood of survival than those with fewer social connections. In addition, this report from Hero Health<\/a> found that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides leading to better mental and physical health outcomes, social connectedness also benefits us in other ways. It can<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s never easy battling an illness or going into a necessary surgery. But you face a real challenge when you\u2019re doing it without strong social relationships with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you have people who support you throughout your healing journey, you benefit from greater self-efficacy and fortitude. You have more information and resources available to you that may influence your beliefs, behaviors, and actions surrounding your medical care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re going through it alone, you\u2019re more apt to develop anxiety, stress, and loneliness. In turn, these conditions may only worsen your initial medical illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a medical practitioner, you can create a meaningful connection with each of your patients. So even if they have limited social relationships, they know they still have someone who cares about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An effective healthcare professional-patient relationship can be hugely influential. This report<\/a> showed that patients of empathetic physicians:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, another review<\/a> found that the relationship quality between therapists and their patients is consistently linked to patient outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family and friends play a significant role in a patient\u2019s social life. However, you can also play an important role in building social relationships with your patient as their medical practitioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It all starts with giving each patient your full attention. Spend time familiarizing yourself with their chart before entering their exam room to remind yourself of the patient you\u2019re about to examine. Call them by name, position yourself to listen, and look directly at them when speaking to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notice, name, and validate your patient’s verbal and nonverbal emotional cues. This shows real concern about how they\u2019re feeling. Avoid rushing through their appointment and treat each patient as an equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Viewing your patients as more than \u2018just a number\u2019 increases the likelihood of developing a long-term relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At WellReceived, we approach every patient call with care and empathy. Our medical receptionists are available round-the-clock to help address patient concerns over a call. To learn more about the features of our services available, click the button below to register. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n From the moment they contact your office, the patient experience begins. Do everything possible to ensure it\u2019s as outstanding as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a medical reception service<\/a> full of caring individuals who provide care around the clock<\/a>. That way, patients receive quality care no matter what day or time they contact your office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nobody likes feeling like their concerns aren\u2019t valid. Allot sufficient time with each patient to fully understand their health concerns and diagnose correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it\u2019s during a patient intake process<\/a> or at their 20th<\/sup> physical appointment with your office, always act professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t be warm, friendly, and empathetic. Each conversation you have with a patient shapes their trust, understanding, and satisfaction. Research shows<\/a> that those with caring healthcare providers are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most importantly, patients of empathetic physicians experience better health outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Social health \u2013 a type of well-being that stems from having strong relationships and connections with others \u2013 plays an instrumental role in our overall health. It has a healing power that leads to patients experiencing fewer symptoms, more positive health outcomes, and better overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a medical practitioner, you play an instrumental role in your patients\u2019 lives \u2013 a role that extends past prescribing treatments and medications. Instead, you can create a better overall healthcare patient experience. That starts by establishing a solid human connection with every patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about how WellReceived can help your practice deliver exception patient experience, you can reach out to our friendly sales team by booking a free consultation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nHealth benefits of having human connections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Human connections in the healthcare patient experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBuilding and preserving healthcare professional-patient relationships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Developing human connections in your medical office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Patient](\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/wr_blog\/1\/2023\/12\/pexels-cottonbro-7581577-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPay attention to every patient<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nProvide superior customer service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Doctor](\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/wr_blog\/1\/2023\/12\/pexels-thirdman-7659567-1-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBe professional yet friendly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The power of human connection in the patient experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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