8 Vital Traits Every Healthcare Provider Should Have (2024)

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Visiting a clinic or hospital can be a nerve-racking experiencefor many people. As such, healthcare professionals should be attentive to patients and make certain they are meeting their unique needs. Here are eight important traits that patients look for in their healthcare providers:
1. Communication: Communication is a vital part of your relationship with the patient. Healthcareprofessionals requires great communication skills, especially when it comes to speaking and listening. The way in which ahealthcare professional explains information to a patient is just as important as the actual information being communicated. Patients, who clearly understand you, are more likely to admit their ailments, carefully evaluate their treatment options, and be more apt to following directions.
2.Empathetic: It’s important to understand and relate to a patient’s feelings. Not to be confused with sympathy, empathy is an important trait that healthcare professionals must possess. According to a studypublishedin Academic Medicine, research suggests that when healthcare professionals respond empathetically at appropriate times, their patients tend to be happier and more motivated to stay on treatment.
3. Passionate: No patient wants to visit a healthcare provider that no longer cares about their career. Remind yourself why you chose your profession and show your patients that you have a genuine passion in helping others. Exhibiting passion will not only set you apart from the pack, but it will also garner you repeat “customers” in the healthcare industry.
4. Forthright: Patients want ahealth provider that is forthright with all of their medical information in layman’s terms. When patients feel that you are being straightforward with all the facts, it allows them to make educated decisions about their health that could impact their life and well-being.
5. Professional: Professionalism is not clearly defined in the dictionary, but in the medical field, it is generally accepted as acting with appropriate demeanor, respect, and possessing proficiency to perform the job. Ahealthcare professional that is professional is compelled to always put the patient’s well-being above their own self-interests. A patient will have greater trust and confidence in your abilities when you demonstrate good manners and respect.
6.Respectful: Patients want a healthcare provider that treats them like an individual and not just another medical problem. Patients want their medical conditions and treatments explained in simple language so that they’re not made to feel inferior or bogged down with medical jargon.
7. Knowledgeable: Many healthcare professionals believe that their certifications and/or degrees are of highest importance to their patients. In actuality, a patient values your knowledge and experience above your credentials. For instance, if you’re a physician assistant and a patient is visiting you for the first time, the last thing a patient is worried about is what school you attended. A patient is more concerned about how many patients you have treated and wants to confirm that you can safely meet their needs.
8. Thorough: One mistake in the medical field could have devastating effects. A patient wants to know that their health provider has not overlooked an aspect of their care. Being thorough and paying close attention to detail during your evaluation can prevent the patient from future ailments or the discomfort of having to come back for additional visits.
As a healthcare provider, if you exhibit the above qualities, you’re on your way to building long-lasting relationships with your patients. In the end, your patients will be much healthier and happier, and you’ll be rewarded with knowing that you’re successfully taking care of their needs.

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