Now more than ever, healthcare organizations must invest in customer service training. In part because offering excellent customer service is good for business, it’s good for the patient experience, it’s good for staff morale, and it can significantly enhance the organization’s reputation. But that’s just part of the story.
Customer service training is also vital at this particular time because the patient’s behavior, attitude, and expectations have changed. In this post-Covid healthcare environment, patients are demanding a more personal customer service experience.
Healthcare professionals who were successful pre-Covid are now questioning their abilities. Training in customer service can go a long way in helping healthcare professionals implement new strategies, reinforce successful existing strategies, and brainstorm on ways to problem-solve issues.
In this post-Covid healthcare environment, patients have less patience and higher expectations. If you think of the customer experience as a spoke, customer service is at the center, touching every aspect of the patient’s visit, from how the front desk personnel greets them to how they connect with their physician. That means every single staff member needs to excel in customer service.
Improved Patient Experience
The patient experience is a critical component of healthcare. Patients who feel they receive high-quality care are more likely to follow treatment plans, have better outcomes, and recommend the healthcare organization to others. The good news is that organizations that invest in making the most minor changes in their approach to the customer experience will reap great rewards.
The reason: the healthcare industry has one of the worst reputations regarding the customer experience. The bar is so low that organizations that make even small changes will see more satisfied patients.
Customer service training can show the entire team how to incorporate solid customer service strategies into their particular job. Everyone needs to stop thinking of customer service as a separate department and start approaching it as a fundamental aspect of their job. For the front desk, it may be learning to look up when someone approaches, make eye contact, and greet them warmly instead of focusing on their computer screen.
What about the staff responsible for bringing patients from the waiting room to an examination room? Surely, there is a better way than yelling out someone’s name like they are next up to be served at the deli counter.
Customer Service Training helps everyone on the team understand their role in the patient experience and the importance of understanding that customer service is part of their job, whether they schedule appointments or are part of the medical staff.
Everyone must ensure their patient feels appreciated, listened to, and respected. . A positive patient experience can lead to improved patient satisfaction, increased loyalty, and a stronger reputation for the healthcare organization.
Increased Staff Morale
Investing in customer service training can also positively impact staff morale. Patients who receive excellent customer service tend to show and express appreciation to the staff. This positivity is contagious. In addition,
Professionals who are trained to provide compassionate and empathetic care are more likely to feel engaged and satisfied in their work. This can lead to reduced turnover, higher productivity, and a more positive work environment. Additionally, customer service training can provide staff members with opportunities for personal and professional growth, which can improve job satisfaction and overall morale.
Improved Communication
Effective communication is critical in healthcare. Healthcare professionals must communicate effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. Customer service training can improve communication skills by providing staff members with strategies for active listening, asking the right questions, and responding appropriately to concerns and questions. Effective communication can improve patient outcomes, reduce errors, and a more positive patient experience.
Reduced Risk of Litigation
Healthcare organizations are at risk for litigation if patients or their families feel that they have received inadequate care or communication. Customer service training can reduce the risk of litigation by providing healthcare team members with the skills they need to communicate effectively, provide compassionate care, and respond appropriately to concerns and complaints. This can help prevent misunderstandings, miscommunications, and other issues that can lead to legal action.
Increased Efficiency
Effective customer service can also lead to increased efficiency. Healthcare professionals trained to provide compassionate and empathetic care are more likely to handle difficult situations, resolve issues quickly, and prevent escalations. This can lead to improved workflows, reduced wait times, and a more efficient healthcare organization.
Improved Reputation
Investing in customer service training can also improve a healthcare organization’s reputation. Nearly 95% of patients will share a bad experience with friends, family, and anyone who will listen. The collateral damage to one less-than-stellar experience can be significant. On the other hand, patients and their families are more likely to recommend a healthcare organization to others if they feel that they have received high-quality care and communication. A positive reputation can lead to increased patient volume, improved revenue, and a stronger brand identity.
Conclusion
Investing in customer service training for healthcare organizations has never been more crucial. The post-Covid landscape has brought about a shift in patient expectations, making it essential for healthcare professionals to adapt and excel in delivering exceptional customer service. By focusing on customer service training, healthcare organizations can improve the patient experience, increase staff morale, enhance communication, reduce the risk of litigation, boost efficiency, and ultimately improve their overall reputation. As patients increasingly demand a more personal and compassionate approach to care, healthcare organizations must prioritize customer service training to stay competitive and ensure the satisfaction and well-being of both patients and staff.
Need A Customer Service Training Workshop For Your Healthcare Team?
Transform your healthcare customer service and see the ripple effects – happier patients, happier staff, reduced risks, and sustainable growth. TrainSMART provides customized in-person or virtual training to equip your people with the skills and mindsets to deliver 5-star service. Our proven curriculum tailored to your needs addresses communication, empathy, wait times, problem-solving, information management, and culture. Invest in your staff today! Learn more about our healthcare customer service training program.