Since 2020, anxiety levels have gone up around the world – especially when it comes to health. So, whether you’re a doctor or qualified nurse, one of the biggest challenges that you face is reducing patient anxiety.
Right now, there’s a global backlog of appointments at hospitals around the world due to the fact that so many patients have gone unseen for a couple of years. Naturally, this means patients are more anxious than ever. They aren’t sure how healthy they are and are also fearful of wasting the time of healthcare professionals.
With this is mind, you need to use the following tips and tricks to reduce patient anxiety.
Use High-Quality Equipment
The medical equipment you use largely dictates your standards. This is why it’s important to use high-quality equipment that’s suitable for modern times.
To find a medical equipment supplier that’s right for you and your practice’s budget, visit medical-supermarket.com.
After stocking up on all the right equipment – from PPE to patient chairs – you’ll be able to put your patients at ease and provide them with the treatment that they deserve.
Offer Telephone and Video Call Appointments
Many healthcare practices are now offering patients the opportunity to have appointments over the telephone as well as via video call for more severe cases. Aside from reducing patient anxiety, this is also a great way to:
- Increase efficiency
- Save costs
- Attract younger patients
Remember, millions of people are still conscious about visiting hospitals and private practices due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, by allowing them to speak to you from the comfort of their own homes, this eliminates any anxiety they have.
Listen
Sometimes, doctors have a poor reputation due to the fact that patients feel they aren’t being listened to. With this in mind, it’s essential you don’t allow your own practice to gain this reputation.
The key is to listen to patients. Be the shoulder that they can rest on in their time of need – especially if they have a bad illness (or suspect that they do).
The more you listen and show genuine compassion, the less anxiety patients will feel.
Make the Waiting Room Warm and Welcoming
Generally, the most difficult part about visiting a healthcare practice is checking in and then sitting in the waiting room. During this time, tensions can rise, and it can even lead to some people walking out as they wait to hear their name.
Thankfully, there are many ways you can stop this. The best way to do it is by making your waiting room warm and welcoming. It should feel almost like a home rather than a medical institution.
From background music to even having a TV on the wall, make sure to tick all the potential boxes that will help people to relax. This way, you’ll gain a positive reputation and people will actually look forward to visiting you rather than living in fear of having to book an appointment!
Provide Clear Prescription Instructions
Of course, another cause for anxiety with patients is messing up their prescriptions, from taking the wrong dosage to experiencing side effects.
To prevent this, doctors and nurses should provide clear prescription instructions whilst answering any queries that patients have.
