5 Ways Hospital Staff Can Motivate Patients To Focus on Their Health
Many Americans look to hospitals and pharmaceuticals to alleviate their health struggles quickly. Doctors and nurses may frequently see patients determined to take a pill and feel better. Perhaps they seek medicine or treatment to make the ailment disappear. While sometimes this practice holds valid, there are many other times when health professionals may struggle to resolve the concern with medicine only. Patients, in fact, often have far more control over the situation than they believe, but staff may struggle to convince their patients of this truth. They require additional motivation to ditch the junk food, poor habits and cigarettes that lead to failing health and frequent visits. Although trying, it’s possible to motivate sufferers to take action, rectifying their own poor choices. Staff should attempt to try the following things.
1. Discuss Starting Small
Significant lifestyle changes may seem daunting to those in pain or weakness. They see the overhaul as an impossible feat that requires a lot of energy and frustration. Talk to them about making small changes first. It doesn’t all have to happen at once. Sit down and discuss which modifications have the most impact and how minor adaptations could make a significant dent in their troubles. Encourage them to write out these goals, working through only one or two at a time. These seem more tangible and manageable.
2. Talk About Personal Choices
Many patients struggle to see that their daily habits influence the body’s metabolic health. This system controls more than burning fat. It drives how well people feel, what they can accomplish and how they think. A weak metabolic rate could even influence the immune system, lowering the body’s ability to fight off pathogens. By starting to rethink dietary needs and when they eat, they could bolster the body’s ability to combat viruses and bacteria, staying healthier longer.
3. Send Home Clear, Written Directions
It’s hard to remember everything when in the hospital. People come in and out of the rooms at all hours of the day, and often inpatients struggle to get a good rest. These two factors could make it harder to recall details and instructions. Make it easy to follow directions by sending home simple, easy-to-read notes or handouts. Walk people through what they should do at home. These references prevent additional calls for information and may clarify any confusion.
4. Discuss Possible Obstacles
Sometimes patients have valid reasons for not reaching their objectives. Maybe they don’t have resources at home? Perhaps they struggle to take certain medicines. Talk through past problems before discharge and find solutions to the issues. This act reflects your investment in their health and reduces any mental or physical blocks that hinder success.
5. Establish Follow-Up Visits
Some people may feel that the hospital is a brief stop. They come in for help and then leave. Don’t just let people walk out the door. Arrange for the doctor or a nurse to check in at some point to ensure that the patient is comfortable and finding a way to improve their health at home. Appointments are excellent for physically seeing others; however, a quick call could be enough to spur patients to their goals. Today’s technology allows hospital staff to connect with patients more when home. Do you have computer systems where patients can send questions and concerns? Could you ask them to update information on their systems within the computer portal? Doing so provides staff with feedback and issues. These follow-ups are vital because they could catch.
While hospital staff cannot control what patients do outside of the medical facility, they can motivate their patients to take action and make changes that improve their overall health. It’s essential to give them a chance to see success. Keep things simple and small, send home written directions and talk through potential hurdles. Send them home with the supplies they need and encourage communication. Remind them they have people pushing for them.
