“In healthcare, as much as I love being a physician, there are many gaps and deficiencies. Patients often have to rely on their own persistent autonomy, badgering caregivers, doctors, and providers to get attention; otherwise, details slip through the cracks because of the way the system is,” says Dr. Lara Salyer. This week, she delves into the art of transforming patient visits into home-like experiences, drawing inspiration from a heartwarming TikTok video of a foster parent welcoming a new child.

Dr. Salyer emphasizes the importance of setting the right tone from the very first interaction. She discusses how a well-designed website can alleviate patient anxiety by clearly outlining the process, expectations, and costs associated with their care. Transparency and clear communication build trust and ensure patients feel safe and understood.

In the office, attention to the five senses can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Dr. Salyer suggests focusing on lighting, seating arrangements, offering refreshments, and ensuring privacy. Staff training is crucial for maintaining a consistent, empathetic, and friendly environment.

For online visits, tools like Zoom timers and clear agendas help manage expectations. Dr. Salyer underscores the importance of follow-up communication, providing patients with detailed visit summaries and additional resources to continue their care journey.

Feedback loops are essential for continuous improvement. Dr. Salyer encourages practitioners to be open to suggestions and foster a culture of co-creation and empathy. By doing so, healthcare providers can enhance the patient experience, making each visit a step towards healing in a supportive environment.

Quotes

• “In healthcare, as much as I love being a physician, there are many gaps and deficiencies. Patients often have to rely on their own persistent autonomy, badgering caregivers, doctors, and providers to get attention; otherwise, details slip through the cracks because of the way the system is.” (03:56 | Dr. Lara Salyer)

• “Imagine if you used principles like this wonderful foster mom of opening your door and giving your patients a tour of how it looks on the inside. You’d alleviate a lot of anxiety, answer many questions ahead of time, and set the tone for the catalyst culture you want to create—one that is flow-channeled, self-expressive, regulates the nervous system, and has loving boundaries. This is the catalyst culture we maintain.” (04:15 | Dr. Lara Salyer) 

• “By acknowledging the full scope of welcoming people in during their first visit, both in-person and digitally, you will go a long way—further than most practitioners—in establishing trust and safety. This approach helps patients along their healing journey even before you’ve received any lab results or prescribed any treatment plans.” (24:06 | Dr. Lara Salyer) 

Links

Connect with Lara: 

Website: https://drlarasalyer.com

The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst

Instagram: @drlarasalyer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer

Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer

TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm