Welcoming a new patient
In our daily work as podiatrists, we see many different people. We have regulars, occasional clients, and newcomers… We all know that for a practice to function, it needs patients. Without them, we are nothing!
My Podologie has put together some practical tips to help you gain the trust of your new patients as quickly as possible, so that one day they become regulars like we all know!
Confidence through professional attire
During the initial contact, the new patient will instinctively assess you to determine who they are dealing with. Therefore, in this first piece of advice, we want to remind you that your professional appearance is crucial for the patient to have confidence in you.
According to a 2019 study by Lands, the white coat is perceived by the patient as a mark of intelligence , technical prowess, reliability, safety, and empathy. The coat may even increase the patient's ability to open up, providing more information, which is useful during our examinations (1) .
Your lab coat is not just appropriate work attire for providing care, but also an instrument that confers upon you the status of someone who will listen, care for, and advise. It is a true ally in the care of a patient.
My Podologie has many references of blouses that may suit you:
Trust through cleanliness of the office
We all agree that we feel better in a clean and healthy environment. The same is true for our patients. Trust is also built on the image your practice projects. A clean, tidy, and hygienic office gives the impression that you are a meticulous, organized, and competent healthcare professional. The cleanliness of your office reflects the healthcare professional you are. Patients know this and understand it well.
Your patient will be more likely to remain loyal in the long term if you maintain a clean and hygienic practice on a daily basis. Therefore, it is essential to have an organized and clean space to project a positive image to your patients and retain them.
Feel free to read our article " Maintaining your practice for the safety of your patients "
But also this article: " The guide to properly managing your waste in the office "
Trust through optimal patient management
Today, it's very easy to book an appointment with a healthcare professional. And yes, thanks to the internet, with just a click on your computer or smartphone, patients can book appointments.
Appointment scheduling software is also a sign of modernization. Our society is changing daily, and we are entering an era where everything is accessible, everything is digital. Consumption is therefore becoming more accessible.
To make our profession accessible to all ages and to modernize our practices, software such as "Doctolib" or "Clic RDV" can be invaluable. It's reasonable to assume that the digitalization of healthcare services can reassure some patients, particularly younger generations.
Trust through who we are and what we offer our patients
We believe this part is the most important. How we project as healthcare professionals directly impacts patient adherence to treatment. As mentioned earlier, it all begins when you meet your patient. This initial contact allows for a mutual and instinctive assessment. How you approach your patient from the outset will influence the long-term trust they place in you.
We remind you that displaying your diploma and service fees is mandatory in your practice . These elements can be a form of trust and commitment from your patients. Indeed, displaying your diploma demonstrates that you are a qualified healthcare professional whom they can trust.
A patient may also identify with what you propose during your consultations. A patient who approves of what you deliver is a committed patient.
Furthermore, communication during treatment or consultations is very important. According to a 2009 review article by Zolnierek and colleagues, communication in medical care is strongly correlated with better patient adherence to treatment (2) . Communication is therefore an important factor that we, as podiatrists, aim to achieve in order to help our patients adhere to their treatment.
