How to Build Personal Connections With Patients

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How to Build Personal Connections With Patients
Have you ever found yourself in front of a
patient, wracking your brain for a conversation
topic? It can be tricky to build connections with
patients who you dont know much about outside
the office. But those relationships can also be a
driver for more business and higher case
acceptance. By asking good questions and being a
good listener, youand your practices staffcan
build meaningful relationships with patients.
Plus, it can help you understand patients
aesthetic goals, which benefits your practice in
the long run.
Using the FORD Method to Make Connections With
Patients
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• The FORD method is a communication technique that
  medical professionals can use to build rapport
  and better understand their patients. Its an
  acronym
• Family
• Occupation
• Recreation
• Dreams
• These four conversation topics can help you ask
  good questions and build personal
• connections with patients. Theyre generally safe
  topicsthey make people feel heard
• without feeling uncomfortable. And by asking the
  right questions, it might even help you
  determine what the patients goals are and how
  you might be able to help at your practice.
• Here are a few example questions

Family

• Do you have any siblings?
• Are you married?
• Do you have children?
• How did you and your partner meet?

Occupation

• What do you do for work?
• What are some of the biggest challenges you face
  in your job?

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• How do you like your job?

Recreation

• What do you like to do for fun?
• Do you have any hobbies?
• Have you gone on any trips recently?

Dreams

• What are some of your long-term goals?
• Whats something youve always wanted to do but
  havent had the chance to do yet?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• Remember to tailor the questions you ask to each
  patients situation and interest. And dont
  forget to actively listen to their answersits
  more than just a sale. By responding
  thoughtfully, you could build a stronger
  connection.
• Key points from patients responses can be
  recorded in your practices Electronic Medical
  Records (EMR) system. That way, the receptionist
  or practitioner can refresh themselves on
  previous conversations before they see the
  patient at their next visit.
• Talk With Skytale About Patient Connections
• At Skytale Group, we love numbers, but we also
  care about people. Our clients want whats best
  for their patients, and we want to help them form
  connections with patients that benefit everyone.
  When you get in touch with Skytale, well share
  how we can help elevate your business.

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Now go have a few meaningful conversations with
your patients!