FROM WAITING ROOM TO DEPARTURE LOUNGE:

PATIENT ENGAGEMENT PLAN STRATEGY.

When the credits roll as a patient leaves your dental practice forever, it is vital to reflect upon why they left. All stakeholders must trace the path to the departure lounge and act upon it. Start with honest self-reflection of leaders, implement training of and communication to the staff cohort and with immediately implement of a Patient Engagement Strategy.

Post-Appointment Surveys: Send post-appointment surveys via email or regular mail. These surveys can be short and include rating scales, multiple-choice questions, and open-ended questions. Ask about the overall experience, waiting times, and the dentist's communication.

Online Review Platforms: Encourage patients to leave reviews on popular review websites like Google, Yelp, or Healthgrades. Positive online reviews can boost your practice's online reputation and attract new patients.

In-Person Feedback: Create opportunities for patients to provide feedback while they are still in the office. This could be through comment cards in the waiting area or a suggestion box. Staff should also be trained to ask for feedback during patient interactions.

Phone Follow-Ups: After the appointment, have a staff member call the patient to ask about their experience. This personal touch can lead to more candid feedback.

Feedback Forms: Provide feedback forms on your practice's website, which patients can fill out at their convenience. Make the form easy to access and complete.

Social Media: Use social media to gather feedback by asking questions or running polls. It's a more interactive way to engage with patients and collect their thoughts.

Patient Portals: If your practice has an online patient portal, provide a section for patients to leave feedback and suggestions. This can be an effective way to engage with your patients, especially for ongoing care.

Anonymous Feedback: Offer patients the option to provide feedback anonymously if they are uncomfortable sharing their opinions openly. This can result in more honest and unfiltered feedback.

Patient Focus Groups: Periodically, invite a small group of patients to participate in focus group discussions to delve deeper into their experiences and suggestions. This can provide valuable qualitative insights.

Real-Time Feedback: Consider using tablets in the waiting area where patients can provide feedback before or after their appointments. This method allows for immediate responses.

Email and Text Surveys: Send patients text messages or emails with survey links to gather feedback. This method is convenient for patients and can be automated.

Regular Feedback Cycles: Establish a regular schedule for collecting feedback, whether it's monthly, quarterly, or annually. This ensures that feedback is continuously integrated into practice improvements.

Respond to Feedback: Demonstrate that you value patient feedback by acknowledging it and, when necessary, taking action to address concerns and make improvements. Respond to online reviews, both positive and negative.

Data Analysis: Analyse the feedback data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and areas of strength. Use this information to inform practice changes and staff training.

Remember that the goal of collecting patient feedback is not just to gather information but to use it to enhance the patient experience, improve service quality, and increase patient satisfaction. Continuous feedback collection and response are essential for the growth and success of a dental practice.

NEED HELP?

Call: Jo on 0414 989 628

Email: contact@accredident.com.au