No one can overstate the fact that patient reviews on Google have shaped patients’ experiences and perceptions about healthcare providers. So, medical providers buy Google reviews to take full advantage of that.
You may not know, but now 84% of patients check reviews to evaluate a healthcare provider. Reviews not only bring reputation but also help healthcare providers deliver much better services to patients.
Continue reading to learn about the importance of reviews in the medical sector. Plus, learn about 8 best practices for improving patient care with reviews.
Why Are Google Reviews Important in the Healthcare Sector?
Google reviews play a crucial role in healthcare, working like a window to patients’ experiences. They offer insights into how you provide services that can foster trust and guide improvements.
Positive reviews can catch the attention of patients and make them choose your services. The constructive feedback, on the other hand, highlights areas needing more attention, which further helps improve your services.
The more reviews you have, the better your services will become. With that, patients’ satisfaction will grow as well. But how can you improve your patients’ experience with reviews? Let’s know that!
8 Best Practices to Improve Patient Care Through Google Reviews
Nowadays, patient care extends beyond the clinical walls. Patients have become smart when it comes to receiving care. Therefore, they check reviews of past patients of any healthcare service provider.
A survey reported that 73% of patients consider checking Google reviews while choosing a healthcare provider. So, patients’ this approach gives you a chance to serve them better.
So, follow the best practices and improve patient care with reviews.
- Encourage Patients to Leave Reviews to Build Trust
Encouraging your patients to leave their valuable feedback can help you build trust among other patients. When prospective patients notice that your services got such good reviews, they are more likely to trust you.
They will be confident when choosing your services. Just keep the review-leaving process smoother and more convenient by leaving a review link or providing clear instructions. You can ask for reviews during discharge or follow-up appointments.
- Utilize Reviews to Understand Areas for Improvement
The best part of checking Google reviews is that they highlight the areas where your business excels and where it needs improvement. This way, you can improve your services after analyzing previous patients’ feedback.
However, you must daily check your reviews to understand common problems of your services. This way, you can work on that specific area and implement changes based on their preferences to improve patient care.
- Respond to All Reviews Patiently to Better Understand Patients
Replying to reviews from negative to positive can help you understand patients’ pain points. When they state their concerns or positive experiences (sometimes highlighting specific services), you get to know them better.
This way, healthcare facilities can offer their services that will cater to their particular needs. So, it automatically increases your patients’ satisfaction. In the future, whenever any problem arises, they will come to you.
- Highlight Detailed Reviews for Patients’ Convenience
A pro tip is to highlight the detailed reviews of your previous patients. This will help prospective patients gain much deeper insights into your healthcare facilities, which can help them make quick decisions.
It can be a heart-touching recovery journey, praise for good care, or particular details of patients’ experience and your services. Displaying these reviews can encourage the patients to believe in your medical services.
- Update Reviews Frequently to Ensure Patients’ Satisfaction
When patients see the same reviews under your services for a long time, they may have trust issues. It is better not to stay inactive there and frequently update your reviews with the current ones.
This can help you maintain a good reputation and increase patient satisfaction. Patients will know beforehand what they are going to get from your healthcare facilities, as the reviews will reflect your ongoing quality care.
- Use Reviews for Continuous Improvement
You can think of patient reviews as a way to continuous improvement in your profession. So, always look at the feedback as a chance to refine your services and provide better care to the patients.
Plus, making changes after addressing patients’ reviews helps you build strong relationships with them. They feel that you are dedicated to taking feedback and doing what is necessary.
- Maintain Confidentiality and Compliance
Whenever you reply to patients’ feedback or showcase the reviews, always maintain compliance with healthcare regulations like HIPAA and confidentiality. It showcases your professionalism to all your patients and how you protect them.
Also, avoid discussing particular sensitive topics in responses. If necessary, make sure to get consent from patients when you are gathering reviews in person that if they have any problem with you posting their reviews.
- Respond to Negative Feedback Constructively
Negative reviews are not something that you need to hide. Instead, you can see it as an opportunity for your growth. So, you should always approach these reviews with professionalism and empathy.
You can showcase how you want to know patients’ perspectives about your services. Apologize for all the shortcomings and provide solutions to them. It showcases your concerns towards your patients.
Conclusion: Improve Patient Care via Google Reviews Now!
Improving patients’ care with reviews is possible. Follow the mentioned best practices, and you will achieve what you want: patient satisfaction, continuous improvement, and business growth.
