Many patients feel some level of stress or anxiety, whether they’re in a hospital room, exam office, or waiting area. The fear of the unknown and what lies ahead can put the body into fight or flight mode, resulting in an anxious, fidgeting, or even frightened patient. Too much stress can seriously impact the body, affecting healing and recovery, but it can also make effectively communicating with, diagnosing, and treating a patient more difficult. That’s why doctors and nurses should learn how to help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during their visits.
Offer Consistent Communication
Whether your patient is in for a complex surgery, a simple procedure, or an exam, let them know what to expect. Often, what causes anxiety is fear of the unknown, and patients don’t have the same medical expertise you have. Let them know how long the session or procedure may take, what tests you intend to run, and what the possible results might mean. During an exam, you may also want to let them know where you plan on touching them before doing so. The more you communicate with a patient, the more you can put them at ease.
Be Genuine, Open, and Engaging
You can’t put a smile on your face every second of the day, but you must treat each patient with as much respect and kindness as possible. Most people can tell when you don’t want to be there, when you’re in a rush, or when you are frustrated. Some patients may take this personally or even worry that it’s something they did, resulting in them being on edge as soon as you walk through the door. Although you can’t change your mood with the click of a button, you can engage with your patients sincerely and take a moment to get to know them. Simple, kind, and genuine interactions remind patients that you’re also a person and not the harbinger of bad news.
Help Their Body Relax
Sometimes, there’s no way to talk a patient out of their stress or anxiety. In these cases, the only way to calm the mind is to ease the body first. Keeping a patient warm can lower their heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in a calmer patient. You can do this by offering coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Also, blanket warmers have a surprising number of benefits in terms of patient health, and the simple act of offering a warm blanket can put a patient’s mind at ease. You can also play soft, quiet, calming music to ease a patient’s anxiety or offer to diffuse essential oils with relaxing scents.
Make the Room Homier
One of the easiest ways to help a patient feel more comfortable and at ease is to take some of the sterility out of the exam and waiting room. Sitting in a cold, colorless room devoid of any personality, life, or vibrancy can make patients uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this is the traditional medical “aesthetic” that remains prevalent to this day.
Instead of stark whites, grays, and the traditional stiff, unwelcoming furniture, add more color and comfort to your facility by painting the walls and using furniture you’d find in a home. You can also dim the lights, offer simple reading material, or even offer snacks. Although they’re in a professional atmosphere, taking the time to make your facility more inviting can do wonders for a patient’s mental health.
