Working within healthcare is a highly rewarding role, yet at the same time it can be demanding especially during challenging times. It is important to create a strong relationship with your patient so that the very best care can be achieved. Building a good rapport will have such a positive impact not only on your career, but also on your experience with the patient and on the overall satisfaction.

We've put together 6 helpful tips to build a good relationship with your patients. 

1. Take time to get to know patients
First and foremost, no patient likes to feel as if he or she is being rushed through an appointment. A big part of ensuring that a patient is comfortable is addressing him or her like an individual, as opposed to a medical condition. While asking someone questions, you should try making it more of a discussion rather than a strict Q&A. Also, introductions are key, so don't forget to introduce yourself and your role on the clinical team is important for building a positive patient relationship. It shows your patient that you want them to know exactly who you are and what you’ll be doing to care for them. Remember your patients' names. Whenever you can, address them by their first names, even if it's something like, "OK, Helen, I will go ahead and schedule your MRI".

2. Be prepared for appointments
It's good practice to review patients' reports before you see them in person. It can be a waste of time to ask for information already in their files. Also, if you discuss the reason for their last visit, you'll come across as observant and interested in the patient's individual needs.

3. Active Listening
Active listening is an essential holistic healthcare tool. It is a non-intrusive way of sharing a patient’s thoughts and feelings. The goal of active listening is to reflect the feeling or intent behind their words. You should listen to understand, not to respond. To practice active listening, follow these steps:

• Listen to what the patient is saying.
• Repeat what you heard to the patient.
• Check with the patient to ensure your reflection is correct.

By becoming a good listener you are increasing the chance of better understanding your patient and give him the best advice. In addition to that, listening demonstrates appreciation and value. By asking, looking, observing and listening to the patient, you can learn what is important for the patient as a human being and how to help him. The language you are using should be simple and conversational.

4. Keep your word
Keeping your word is one of the most effective ways to build rapport with patients. If you tell them you will do something, do it. If your ability to complete a task changes, communicate this with the patient. Don’t over-promise and under deliver. Keeping your word with patients not only builds rapport, it also builds trust.

5. Maintain eye contact and body language
Besides words, the key is to speak calm and to use the appropriate body language. Maintaining eye contact communicates care and compassion. It can also show empathy and interest in your patient’s situation. Eye contact and social touch connects you to your patients and communicates understanding. Your movements should be smooth, rhythmic and purposeful. You should always explain to your patient what you are doing. 

6. Predict and anticipate their needs

Anticipation means looking ahead at what might happen with your patient and determining what he might need. Furthermore, verbalize your thoughts and don’t forget to ask questions. If you are able to predict and anticipate your patient’s needs, you will gain order, control and trust. Anticipating their needs will show them that you do care and that you are doing all that you can to provide them with the best care plan

There isn’t a manual on how to build rapport with patients. Some techniques will come easier to you than others. Practice each of these 7 ways to build rapport and choose the ones that come most naturally to you in your daily practice.