Question
How can I communicate effectively with my patients during COVID-19?
Answer
Whether you’re providing in-office services, temporarily closed, or doing something in between, it’s critical to maintain communication with current and potential patients in your community. Even if you’re not actively fitting new patients, you can accomplish two key goals: helping your community stay safe and continuing to build and reinforce your brand as a trustworthy expert.
You don’t have to develop all new messages to help your patients stay safe and healthy. There are lots of great sources of information out there—like the CDC, The Hearing Review, and American Academy of Audiology—that have valuable information about staying healthy, connected, and informed. You can find a lot of these resources, in addition to Widex-developed resources, on Widex’ Covid-19 Practice Management page. You can share information from these sites or put your unique spin on it; what matters is you’re providing value to your community.
Make sure you put your best self forward. In difficult times, demonstrating true character and leadership will build your brand and earn you loyalty when the situation returns to normal. Accurate information builds trust. Showing empathy for those struggling deepens your connections with patients. Articulating your plans and commitment to safety gives your patients confidence that you will be there for them.
Use multiple channels to communicate to your patients—social media, phone calls, website updates, text messages, and emails all have their place in your communication plan. Make sure your patients know if you’re closed temporarily, what services you’re offering, when you’re reopening, and what steps you’re taking to keep them safe.
It can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but communicating with your patients with clarity, optimism, and empathy now can earn you their trust and loyalty long into the future. If you’re looking for help planning or implementing your communication plan, go to www.widexpro.com-covid-19-management for more information.
