[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”3.0.49″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” border_style=”solid”]
Why Patient-Centered Care is an Important Part of Any Chiropractic Career
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.49″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid”]
If you’re passionate about healthcare, you might have come across the term “patient-centered care.” There’s a good reason for this: as more and more healthcare professionals discover the benefits of putting patients first, the patient-centered approach has become ever more popular. While the focus on patient-centered care might be new in some healthcare fields, it certainly isn’t for chiropractic. In fact, patient-centered care has been an important part of chiropractic since the very beginnings of the profession. Here’s a closer look at why putting the patient first has always been important to chiropractic, and how adopting a patient-centered approach can help you make a difference in your community once you begin your career.
What is Patient-Centered Care?
Before delving into why patient-centered care is important to chiropractic, you’ll need to understand what patient-centered care is. Put simply, patient-centered care is about putting the patient first. It’s about informing the patient and including them in every decision that is made regarding their health.
When D.D. Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment on Harvey Lillard, he demonstrated a patient-centered approach. D. D. Palmer carefully listened to Lillard’s concerns and history explained how a precise adjustment could benefit him and ensured that Lillard was informed and included throughout the entire process. There’s a reason why chiropractic history remembers both the patient and the chiropractor that took part in the very first adjustment!
Ensures that Patients are Informed
Informing patients about the benefits of chiropractic is one of the first steps in adopting a patient-centered approach. That’s because only informed patients can confidently make decisions about their healthcare. To ensure that patients understand chiropractic concepts like subluxation and the body’s innate intelligence, budding doctors learn the best techniques for informing patients as they complete their chiropractic training.
Empower Patients
For many patients, healthcare choices can sometimes seem intimidating. They might not understand why regular preventative care is important, or they may feel nervous about putting their health in the hands of another. But by informing patients and making them a central part of the decision-making process, chiropractors help to ease these concerns. Instead of being passive, their patients are empowered to take control of their healthcare.
Improves Retention Rates
When patients are informed and feel empowered about their health care, they’re more likely to understand the importance of regular chiropractic care. In addition, informing your patients and carefully listening to their concerns can help you build a close rapport. As a result, your patients will be more likely to return to your practice for continued care and to refer new patients to you. Throughout your chiropractic career, you’ll be able to see first-hand how a patient-centered approach leads to high retention rates!
Often Leads to Better Healthcare
Above all else, the reason why chiropractors adopt a patient-centered approach is that it ultimately leads to better healthcare. As a chiropractor, nothing will feel more satisfying than knowing that you are making a real difference in the lives of your patients.
Are you ready to join this rewarding profession?
Find out how completing your chiropractic degree at Sherman College can put you on the path to success!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
