As we've seen in Part 2 and Part 3, the world has become connected on all levels. People use the internet to find information and interact with loved ones. They also rely on it to manage their work, finances, health and more.
Therapists should embrace this new connected world rather than try to resist it. Here are a few tips on how you can adapt your practice to the digital age to better connect with your patients.
A way to meet your customers' expectations
In the past, there were only two ways people could get in touch with their therapists: a letter or a phone call. We didn't have a connected tool in our pockets at all times. So patients didn't expect their doctors to respond fast.
Today, we have the Internet and smart-phones. People want to be able to text, email, or message their doctors on all platforms. And they expect a fast response. Therapists who don't adapt to these new expectations will have trouble growing their business. A potential client will email several therapists to ask for their availability. The therapist who answers the fastest will likely be the one the patient chooses. Try not to wait 48 hours to respond to an email. And remember to check your messages on your business Facebook page too.
A way to connect with your patients
Adapting to the connected world doesn't just help you get more clients. It makes you a better therapist. This is particularly true for younger patients, who were born in the digital age. If you use the same tools your patients use, it will be easier for you to work with them. You'll understand how they think, and they will relate to you better.
A way to provide a better experience for everyone
Adapting your client interactions to the digital world will, above all, increase your efficiency. Therapists still using pen and paper spend many hours a week managing their practice. Tasks include updating their calendar, answering phone calls, updating patients' files or managing bills. Others hire an assistant to take care of these tasks for them.
Therasoft provides an online platform that lets you automate most of these tasks. It centralizes all your patients' and business information, all in one place. You have quicker access to the information you need. And you save time and money on tasks which don't bring direct value to your business. Therasoft lets you focus on what you do best: be a therapist. It takes care of everything else.
In part 5, we'll study in detail how you can optimize your workflow using an online management tool. We'll also explain how these methods will improve your customers' experience with your practice. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive these articles in your inbox. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Did you enjoy this article? Check out the rest of the series:
Introducing The Therapist Practice Series
Holistic Strategy for Success - Part 1
Marketing a Counseling practice in 2016 - Part 2
Counseling and Content Marketing - Part 3
