ON Chiropractic Fall/Winter 2018 | Page 14

Part of being confident in your skill set involves having the self-assurance to realize that you may not be able to help every patient. “One of my principles has always been that I know what I know, and I also know what I don’t know,” explains Dr. Rajwani. “If I see a patient and I don’t think I’m the best person for the job, or I need more information before assessing fully, I will refer my patient. I am happy to refer. For example, there is a chiropractor in my office who has a lot of interest and experience dealing with concussions, and if I am seeing a patient with those symptoms, I will often refer the patient to him because I know he can deliver the most appropriate care.”   OCA has a selection of resources that can help take your communication and patient experience skills to the next level. You can find resources in back issues of ON Chiropractic magazine on the OCA website under the Managing Your Practice tab, and ON Demand webinars under the CE & Events tab. • Our Fall 2017 ON Chiropr- actic issue covers 15 ways to improve the quality of your clinic from a patient perspective.   • Our popular Breaking The Ice webinar takes chiropractors through tried and true techni- ques to connect instantly and sincerely with potential patients and colleagues. • Check out our Difficult Conversations webinar that focuses on having difficult conversations and addressing sensitive topics.  Relax & Reassure In a modern health care practice, strong clinical skills should be partnered with complementary soft skills, or interpersonal skills. As Dr. Rajwani explains: “Be positive and try to reassure as much as possible. We are in a powerful position with patients who are going to take what we say to heart. Provide options and let your patients feel empowered in the direction of their own care. ” Growing Your Practice The patient experience is paramount, because great patient experiences will grow and expand your practice. Patients are more likely to return to a chiropractor they feel listens and asks relevant questions. At the root of all ‘soft skills’ is communication; one of the most important skills a chiropractor can have in a consultation or assessment. The 14 FALL/WINTER 2018 Providing an amazing patient experience includes making a good first impression, acting in a professional manner, demonstrating understanding, as well as taking time to listen and explain ideas and treatments to patients. Take your time to learn about your patients and enjoy your interactions with them. In Dr. Rajwani’s opinion, all it takes is: “patience, quality care, and the time and energy to forge good relationships with your patients. As busy as people are, they want to connect with the person helping them with their issues and they want to know they are taken care of. It’s as simple as that.”