Having a patient-centered culture in a private practice means putting patients first and ensuring that their physical, social, and psychological well-being is well looked after. The following are three reasons why having a patient-centered culture is essential for any private practice:

1. Patients that are treated with respect and dignity are more likely to follow through with their treatment plans

According to a study done by Johns Hopkins Medicine, patients who feel like they were treated with respect and dignity by staff, and were involved in decisions about their healthcare, were more likely to adhere to their treatment plans and seek preventative services. This suggests that exhibiting a patient-first mentality by treating them with respect and empathy leads to more compliant patients.

2. Patients are empowered by the internet and can speak out about their experience online

In today’s digital age where consumers can easily go online to share their experience with a practice through social media and review sites, practices need to do their best to ensure that patients walk out the door feeling satisfied and cared for. Creating a patient-first mentality for the practice and its staff is key in creating ‘good profits’ where clients not only return because of their belief in your practice, but also forward positive recommendations to their friends and family.

3. A patient-centered culture fosters trust between staff and patients

A practice that operates with a focus on patient-centered care means better relationships between the practice, staff, and their patients. When the practice and its staff are focused on understanding patients, their needs and how they can best be supported, they will be able to serve these patients better, foster a stronger sense of trust and develop a deeper understanding between all parties. Additionally, staff that are well trained in patient-centered service are actually more likely to feel fulfilled and be less likely to leave.

References

Capko, Judy, and Cheryl Bisera. The Patient-Centered Payoff. Greenbranch Publishing, 2014.

Marra, Jen. “PATIENTS TREATED WITH RESPECT MORE LIKELY TO FOLLOW MEDICAL ADVICE”. Hopkinsmedicine.Org, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2005/08_31b_05.html.