Virtual care has proven to be effective in managing chronic conditions, providing mental health services, and addressing urgent care needs. However, the lack of physical interaction can make virtual care feel impersonal, which is why it’s crucial to integrate the human touch into virtual care.
Virtual care can help healthcare providers reach more patients and improve the quality of care. However, healthcare providers must be intentional about creating a human connection with patients. Patients who feel disconnected from their healthcare provider may be less likely to comply with medical advice and recommendations, leading to suboptimal health outcomes. Here are some ways to create a human connection with patients during virtual care:
- Active listening: Listening is a crucial aspect of building a human connection. As a healthcare provider, you must listen actively to the patient, pay attention to their nonverbal cues, and acknowledge their concerns. Active listening helps patients feel heard and understood, which is essential for building trust.
- Empathy: Patients want to feel understood and cared for. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. As a healthcare provider, showing empathy to patients can make them feel valued and respected. It’s crucial to understand the patient’s perspective and emotions to provide personalized care.
- Personalize the care experience: Virtual care can feel impersonal, but you can personalize the experience by asking about the patient’s life, interests, and concerns. By personalizing the care experience, patients are more likely to feel connected to their healthcare provider.
- Visual cues: During virtual care, visual cues like eye contact, facial expressions, and body language can make a big difference in creating a human connection. As a healthcare provider, you should ensure that you are visible on the screen, maintain eye contact, and use appropriate body language to convey empathy and care.
- Follow-up: Follow-up is essential in creating a human connection with patients. Following up with patients after an appointment or a health concern shows that you care about their well-being. Following up with patients can help build trust and foster a lasting relationship.
In conclusion, virtual care has revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered, but it’s essential to incorporate the human touch into virtual care. By actively listening, showing empathy, personalizing the care experience, using visual cues, and following up, healthcare providers can create a human connection with patients, leading to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
