I have a theory. There is a simple thing hospitalists can do that can enhance relationships with our patients, and even, I bet, improve patient satisfaction scores. The catch is it is not something you can do for yourself; you can only “pay it forward” for somebody else.
We know patients who trust their physicians are more likely to follow recommendations, and that trust and confidence in physicians probably leads to higher satisfaction scores. According to data from Tom Lee, Chief Medical Officer at Press Ganey, “confidence in provider” is the key differentiator between those who say they would recommend their physician from those who do not.
As hospitalists, it is not easy for patients to develop trust and confidence when you are meeting them in the hospital for the first time, often during a crisis in their lives when they are most vulnerable.
Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
