Relationship Development: Approach to Welcoming Patients

Steps to welcoming a new patient in the field:

• Have a trusted source help with introductions, when possible. Examples of a trusted source include an outreach worker, a shopkeeper who lets the person sleep in their doorway, or a security guard at the local hospital.
• Engage cautiously from a distance (approximately 15-20 feet), call out by introducing yourself and ask permission to approach.
• Move forward cautiously after receiving acknowledgement to come closer.
• Be friendly and use eye contact while initiating a safe and comfortable interaction.
• Address each person by name when possible.
• Strive for face-to-face communication at or below eye level (stand, sit, stoop or squat).
• Ask and get approval before initiating each and every interaction, touch and procedure.
• Take the time to establish rapport before attempting to do a physical exam.
• Demonstrate humility—this can be a source of relief for an anxious patient.
• Think: “How does this person experience our interaction?”
• Offer a pair of socks, shoes, a sandwich, water, a transportation voucher, a blanket or some other simple act of kindness.

“How about if I be your coach and your cheerleader, while taking care of your medical needs?”

—Dr. Coley King