Patients often feel scared and alone when they are in the hospital. They may be surrounded by people who are in medical scrubs and do not know a lot about medicine, which can make them feel like they are not in control of their health. As a medical professional, provide comfort to patients is essential. Below, we will discuss some tips for doing just that.
1. Talk to Your Patients Without Medical Jargon
Talk to your patients in a way that makes them feel comfortable. Avoid using medical jargon and instead explain things in layman’s terms. This will help your patients feel like they can understand what is happening with their health. They also won’t feel as if they’re being kept in the dark.
If you can, try to talk with your patients outside of discussing their health. Ask them about their hobbies, favorite foods, or anything else that would help you get to know them as a person. This will help build a rapport with your patients and make them feel more comfortable talking to you about sensitive topics.
Finally, always be respectful when speaking to your patients. Use their preferred pronouns, avoid making assumptions about their gender or sexual orientation and be mindful of the words you use. Making your patients feel respected will go a long way in making them feel comfortable with you.
2. Make Sure They Have What They Need
Patients should never have to go without the things they need while in the hospital. This includes food, water, and toiletries and extends to their medications and any medical supplies they may need.
If patients need something, do your best to provide it or help them get it. This can be as simple as getting them a glass of water or helping them find their medication. Making sure your patients have what they need will help make them feel more comfortable and cared for.
Additionally, you should always be available to answer any questions your patients may have. If you don’t know the answer to a question, do your best to find someone who does. Patients should never feel like information is being kept from them.
3. Show That You Care
One of the best ways to comfort patients is to show that you care about them. You can do this in several ways, but some simple examples include hugging them, holding their hand, or sitting with them for a while.
Showing physical affection can be especially helpful for patients having a tough time. A simple hug lets them know you care and are there for them. Sitting with them and listening to their story can help them feel heard and understood.
4. Respect Their Privacy
Patients have a right to privacy, and you must respect that. This means not discussing their health with anyone who does not need to know, including other patients and staff members. It also means being mindful of when and where you talk to them about sensitive topics.
If patients want to discuss their health in private, do your best to accommodate them. This may mean stepping out of the room or closing the door. Also, honor the request if a patient asks you not to share something with anyone. Respecting your patients’ privacy will help them feel more comfortable sharing information with you.
5. Follow Their Lead
When aiming to provide comfort to patients, it’s imperative to follow your patients’ lead. This means letting them dictate the level of physical contact, the topics of conversation, and how much information they want to share.
Some patients may want to be very open with you and share everything about their health, while others may prefer to keep things more private. It’s important to respect your patient’s wishes and not push them to share more than they’re comfortable with. Instead, let them take the lead and follow their cue.
6. Be Positive
It’s important to be positive when interacting with your patients. This means avoiding negative body language, such as crossing your arms or rolling your eyes. It also means using positive words and phrases, such as “I’m here for you” or “Everything will be alright.”
Your patients are likely going through a tough time and need all the positivity they can get. By being positive, you can help them see the light at the end of the tunnel. Additionally, avoid making promises you can’t keep, such as telling them they will be discharged by a specific date. Only make promises you know you can keep so you don’t give your patients false hope.
7. Your Dress Code Matters
Your appearance matters greatly and can influence how comfortable your patients feel around you. It’s vital to dress in a way that is professional and clean. Avoid wearing anything that could be considered offensive or inappropriate. When choosing medical scrubs, make sure they are comfortable and fit well.
You could get some fun men’s scrubs or women’s scrubs that show your personality. This can help put your patients at ease and make them feel more comfortable around you. No matter what you choose to wear, make sure it is clean and presentable.
8. Be Genuine
Your patients can tell when you’re being genuine and when you’re not. This is why being authentic in your interactions with them is so important. Showing empathy and compassion will go a long way in making your patients feel comfortable around you.
Additionally, avoid faking a smile or laughing at things that aren’t funny. Your patients will see right through it, and it will only make them feel uncomfortable. Instead, be genuine in your interactions and show that you genuinely care about them and their well-being.
Provide Comfort to Patients
Making your patients comfortable should be a top priority. Following these tips can create a more positive and comforting environment for your patients. Remember to respect their privacy, follow their lead, be positive, dress appropriately, and be genuine in your interactions. If you do all of this, you will surely make your patients feel more comfortable around you.