When a patient comes to you, they are looking for more than just a diagnosis. In addition to what you say, it also matters how you do it and you can even transmit a lot without the need to speak. It is important that you also manage to project security and empathy to others and one way you can achieve this is through body language. Simple aspects such as gestures or a look are enough to get results. And in the same way, if you do not comply with this element you can be classified as a rude doctor.
In such a way, your posture, your gaze and even the way you approach the patient inside the office are essential aspects in which you should pay attention. It’s the small details that make huge differences. If you want people to prefer you over your colleagues, you need to offer a complete service.
Humanize the medical service
In that sense, you should never forget that you serve people and not just file numbers. If you show a cold attitude during the consultation, even if you offer good service, the patient will not identify with you and it is difficult for you to gain their trust.
Therefore, from the moment the patient enters your office, you must stop your other activities and establish eye contact. Remember that he will be the center of your attention during the minutes that the consultation lasts. If you do not show interest, you will not achieve an identification and you can even provoke the anger of other people.
In parallel to body language, always remember to offer a personal greeting to the patient. Simply mentioning your first or last name is enough for him to see that he does care about you. It is a small gesture that should never be missing in your consultations.
Listen carefully to the patient
As part of the consultation, first let the patient explain his symptoms and how long he has been with the discomfort. Do not interrupt and always keep your gaze focused on the person in front of you. In addition to being an act of courtesy, it is a way to build trust.
It is very important active listening because it will be the one that will help you to be able to accurately identify the origin of the disease. This way you will also avoid being redundant or asking unnecessary questions. In many cases, the consultations are prolonged by not paying attention to all the information provided by the patient. If you manage to develop this skill, you will be able to offer a more agile service that will help you increase your productivity.
After listening to the patient and applying your body language, it is time to speak. In doing so, try to let go of your body and never stand still because it is a bad sign. The indicated thing is that you move your hands because that helps to show you natural and allows a better flow of information.
In the same way, the moment you communicate with the patient you must see him in the eye. It is a trait that transmits security and honesty. It can be complicated if you have to convey bad news or an adverse diagnosis, but in medicine you must always be direct and concise.
Actions to avoid in a medical consultation
On the other hand, there are also some actions that you should avoid taking at all costs during your consultations. One of the most frequent mistakes is to keep your arms crossed because it is an indication of coldness and that you do not care who is in front of you.
In turn, another bad habit is keeping your hands inside your pants pockets because it is synonymous with something being hidden. If you want to build trust in patients, you should avoid doing so.
Finally, creating a pleasant environment within the office not only offers an impact on patients but also on you. It is a way in which you can make your work days less torturous and that impacts your mood.