How to Get Patients Invested in Their Rehab from Day One
We’ve all been there… patients who come in unsure, hesitant, or maybe even skeptical about their treatment. As clinicians, it can be frustrating when someone doesn’t immediately buy into your program. But what if there was a way to get patients excited, motivated, and fully engaged right from their very first visit?
The Secret: Answer Four Simple Questions
Research from the late Louis Gifford revealed something powerful: patients want four things answered before they fully commit to their care. These questions are deceptively simple, but when addressed effectively, they can completely change the dynamic of your treatment:
- What’s wrong with me?
- What can you do for me?
- What can I do for myself?
- How long will this take?
Imagine walking into a clinic and leaving your appointment thinking, “Ah, now I understand exactly what’s going on and how to fix it.” That’s the feeling we want every patient to have.
Step 1: Define the Problem
Start by answering, “What’s wrong with me?” Patients want to feel understood. By clearly defining the problem, you show them that you truly know what’s happening—and that you have a plan to help. This builds trust immediately.
Step 2: Lay Out the Plan
The next three questions create the roadmap for recovery:
- What can you do for me? – Show patients what your expertise will accomplish.
- What can I do for myself? – Give them actionable steps to feel empowered and involved in their recovery.
- How long will this take? – Set realistic expectations so they know the path forward.
Repeating this information multiple times (ideally three times during the initial evaluation) reinforces understanding and confidence. Patients leave feeling informed, reassured, and ready to take action.
Step 3: Be Intentional
It’s easy to explain treatment plans naturally, but the magic happens when you do it intentionally. Take the time to clearly answer each question, reinforce it, and ensure the patient truly understands their role in the process.
Why This Works
Patients who know what’s going on, what they can do, and what to expect are more likely to commit to their rehabilitation. Engagement skyrockets, outcomes improve, and your patients leave every session motivated instead of confused or hesitant.
Next time you see a patient, challenge yourself: answer these four questions deliberately and repeatedly. You might be surprised at how quickly their attitude and your results can change.
Questions? Check out these FAQs!
Early engagement helps build trust, improves adherence to the treatment plan, and can lead to better outcomes. Patients who understand their diagnosis and the steps needed to recover are more motivated to participate actively in their care.
Patients typically want to know:
- What’s wrong with me?
- What can you do for me?
- What can I do for myself?
- How long will this take?
Be clear, concise, and repeat the answers multiple times during the initial evaluation. Use language your patient can understand and provide actionable steps to help them feel empowered.
Ideally, aim to answer these four questions at least three times during the first appointment or initial evaluation. Repetition helps reinforce understanding and trust.
Some patients take more time to build trust and confidence. Keep communication open, provide encouragement, and consistently reinforce the plan. Engagement often grows as patients start seeing progress.
Yes. While each patient is unique, intentionally answering these four questions helps nearly every patient feel more understood, involved, and motivated in their care.
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