05/25/2022
The Importance of Providing a Space to Answer Patient Inquiries
A study done by the National Library of Medicine emphasized the importance of practices providing a safe and welcoming space in which patients feel comfortable detailing all of their medical information and asking questions. This dynamic between a physician and their client has been proven to enhance patient satisfaction, decrease patients’ anxiety levels, and allow patients to elicit helpful information from their physicians, which leads to an increase in self-efficacy and a greater sense of control over their care.
Studies have proven that patient questions make up only 7% of the patient dialogue. This means that typically each patient only asks their doctor 3-9 questions about their health per visit. Often, patients are reluctant to ask their physicians questions, as they view their physician as the “decision-maker” and are hesitant to express their opinions and ask questions. When physicians create an atmosphere in which questions are encouraged, the dynamic shifts to more of a partnership, in which patients feel more comfortable raising any concerns that they may have.
By providing a space for inquiry via social media, patients will feel more comfortable raising any concerns about themselves during their visit to your practice. This open dialogue creates a relationship of trust and opens the floor for there to be engagement between patients and between your clinic and patients. Prospective patients will recognize your pratice’s effort in encouraging dialogue and will be more inclined to pay a visit to your practice.