Since the pandemic, urgent and primary care statistics have seemingly been impacted by the effects of lockdown and rising health anxiety levels amongst the public. For example, during the first couple of months of the pandemic, the number of appointments booked in general practices plummeted. According to The Health Foundation in the UK, March 2021 saw a record number of telephone doctor’s appointments and online health care center appointments. However, while this was necessary in order to provide healthcare under a national lockdown, has this had an effect on health anxiety and patient comfort when seeking out healthcare? 

When appointments are conducted via telephone or video call, this means that patients may be unable to communicate as freely as they normally would in the privacy of a doctor’s office. There may also be aspects of potential diseases that are unable to be communicated effectively except through face-to-face communication. Overall, it is safe to say that these factors have impacted healthcare confidence in the public worldwide. Patient comfort is vital for medical practitioners to be able to do their job properly. When patients feel comfortable and trust their doctor, they are more likely to communicate better and respond to treatment better. When patients feel comfortable receiving medical care, they are more likely to improve their health. 

However, healing the divisions caused by the 2020 pandemic won’t be easy. Whilst gradually transitioning back to in-person appointments will help a great deal, medical practitioners can also take steps to improve their patient’s comfort levels. Cultivating trust between medical practitioners and patients is not easy, especially after a global pandemic, but there are steps you can take to improve trust and comfort. These steps are very useful, if not necessary, to improve healthcare and patient trust. Here are 5 steps you can take to improve patient trust and extend the reach of worldwide healthcare. 

Utilise Active Listening Techniques

One of the best ways medical practitioners can bridge the gap between patients and doctors is to make sure to utilise active listening techniques to improve communication. Many people avoid going to the doctor because they feel as though they aren’t listened to. Using active listening techniques during a consultation such as listening without interruption and clarifying small details with the client will allow the medical practitioner to communicate better with the patient and understand their needs more. By improving communication, doctors can better do their job, as they will have a better idea of the patient’s symptoms. 

Create A Welcoming Environment

Many patients report that when an environment is too clinical, this can raise their levels of health anxiety and make them feel more stressed. However, when medical practices look more welcoming by having nice seating options and bright walls, this can go a long way when it comes to alleviating the patient’s health anxiety. Including distracting tools such as TV, radio and magazines can also help when it comes to making patients feel more comfortable visiting the doctor. 

Read: Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Pregnancy

Refrain From Using Jargon

A significant factor when it comes to patient discomfort is not knowing what their doctor is diagnosing them with or recommending. If medical practitioners use too much technical or medical jargon with their patients, this can create opportunities for miscommunication or make the patient feel as if they can’t understand their diagnosis or symptoms. If you’re a medical practitioner, ensure that all of your communication is as clear to understand as possible. You should also make sure that you follow up with your patients, so you’re on the same page regarding a treatment plan or any further action. 

Protect Your Patient’s Privacy 

One of the best ways doctors, nurses and other medical practitioners can improve the patient-doctor bond and improve trust is by protecting patient privacy as much as possible. Ensuring that consultations are conducted in a private room and taking care to consult with other doctors with discretion is vital for improving your patient’s comfort. When patients feel as if their privacy is respected, they will feel more open about their symptoms and be able to better communicate their needs. Trust is key to cultivating great patient-doctor relationships, and respecting patient privacy is a great way to earn this trust. 

Ensure Procedures Are Patient-Led

Making sure that all treatments and procedures are led by the patient is a great way to improve patient comfort, and alleviate medical anxiety. When patients feel as if they are in control of the procedure, they will feel more comfortable with their treatment plan. A Leamington Spa dentist found that patients were more likely to complete treatment if their dentist allowed them to take breaks during the procedure. Listening and accommodating patient needs and, when permitted, allowing patients to take breathers during a procedure will help your patient feel more comfortable. Patient comfort is key to improving worldwide healthcare and should be a vital factor for medical practitioners wanting to provide amazing care.