Why Patient Testimonials Matter
Is it really important to hear and share patient stories? Absolutely. Some may look at testimonials solely as a marketing tool, however the benefits of patient stories can be measured more deeply.
One could argue that patient testimonials aren’t just 'nice to have', but rather are essential for attracting patients, growing a practice, and truly understanding what drives healthcare decisions.
More plainly, these stories go far beyond quotes. They offer insights into patients’ experiences, what they value, the outcomes that matter to them, and what drives their loyalty and keeps them coming back.
Because physicians can rely on clinical data and peer reviews, testimonials can be underappreciated, but they are important. This article will explore the value of testimonials and why they matter.
Testimonials Go Beyond Metrics
Numbers are undoubtedly important in medicine as they provide measurable data that guide diagnosis and treatment. It would be foolish to downplay the significance of lab results, blood pressure numbers, pain scores, etc. But, numbers don’t tell the full story.
Testimonials help to paint a picture. They empower physicians to better understand outcomes, but also enable fellow patients to find hope in treatment.
Let’s explore a patient testimonial to understand its impact.
“When I first came to Neurogenx, I was looking for relief from neuropathy symptoms, as well as from the swelling of my feet and balance problems. I’ve taken medication for 2-3 years, but it hasn’t helped my symptoms. So I was looking for treatment that could keep me away from taking so much medicine. So far, I've seen great improvement in the swelling in my feet. The left foot has almost completely gone down, and the right foot has improved dramatically. The pain and numbness in my feet? I really don’t experience that anymore.”
This testimonial can be impactful for both physicians and fellow patients. It highlights real, measurable improvement, detailing the failure of medication alone. For physicians, it offers evidence of how alternative treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. For patients, it offers a glimmer of encouragement that even after years of living with a condition, relief is still possible.
There’s Power in a Story
The above testimonial proves there’s value in a patient story. It doesn’t dismiss science, but highlights why there’s actual value in both.
A testimonial can help to enrich evidence-based medicine.
By seeing the whole picture through patient testimonials, practices can grow and patients feel heard, valued, and understood.
Healthcare can be complex while treatment can feel rushed, the ability to hear patients whether through the spoken or written words is powerful.
A Qualitative View
Testimonials are really a peak into a patients’ qualitative view. What are the patients' motives for being treated? What is their perception of the physician? The office? How did treatment make them feel?
How a patient feels may define success differently from that of a clinical definition.
“Before I came to Neurogenx, I had burning and numbness in my feet and legs. My hands had tingling, numbness and swelling. I had difficulty walking, standing, for a long period of time and at times couldn’t pick up a piece of paper. I couldn't do my favorite pastime - sewing. After four weeks, the burning in my legs is gone - most of the numbness is gone - I can go on walks with my husband - I can walk up and down stairs. I feel the bottoms of my feet and my toes! Best of all, I can sew without my hands hurting! I’m also looking forward to being pill free! Neurogenx has really helped me.”
The power of this testimonial is really in the improved quality of life felt by this patient. The functional gains, being able to take walks with a partner or getting back to a hobby that is meaningful. Those are measures far beyond any medical scale.
Many patients judge success by how they were treated, how they feel, and what effect their outcomes had on their lives. The bottom line is that patient success and satisfaction matters to a practice’s growth and reputation.
A testimonial can highlight a patient’s condition before treatment, the details and duration of their care, the outcomes, and how they feel afterward.
Testimonials Build Trust
One of the things patients prioritize before finding a new doctor is how other patients rate their experience with the physician. Patients aren’t necessarily just looking at credentials, they want to know about what it feels like to be a patient. As a physician, you have to put yourself in your patients’ shoes. What is your bedside manner like? What outcomes have your other patients experienced? What is your experience with the treatment they are seeking?
When patients read solid testimonials, they begin to feel safe with your care. Good testimonials help to start to build trust by creating a sense of familiarity and connection before visiting the office.
How to Collect Testimonials
You don’t need a fancy system to acquire testimonials. Patients are often happy to share their stories. They just need to be asked.
Be interested in hearing the patient’s story. There’s no reason to be nervous or feel awkward.
Start with your natural patient conversation: Ask what differences they have noticed since beginning treatment and what they think of the results so far. Let them know how important it is for them to share their stories with others who are suffering in order to spread awareness and hope. Testimonials are not just about building business, they are also about building relationships.
Ask at the right time: When you feel the patient is the most happiest with the treatment results and the benefits are dominant in the patient's mind. It could be mid-way through the treatment or nearing the end of treatment. Ask for progress updates and get a feel of how satisfied and happy they are with the results. Don’t wait until their six-month follow up, they may not show up or their mood may have changed.
Keep it legal and protect your patients’ privacy: Remember that you must also obtain a signed testimonial release form in order to share a testimonial.
When it comes to testimonials, just a brief sentence or two can be highly effective. For even greater impact, consider a short video recorded on a phone. Video is a powerful tool that quickly engages and connects with people.
Testimonials Open the Door and Leave a Lasting Impression
Patient testimonials matter.
They open the door to new patients and leave a lasting impression of what your practice delivers.
They reflect the care you gave and how patients felt.
Testimonials are a measure of success. Are you making patients feel supported? Are their outcomes desirable? Do they have hope after visiting your office?
Testimonials are not just fluff, nor simply marketing materials, they’re valuable feedback from your patients definitely worth paying attention to.
