She paused for a moment and then said, “I know who you are. I understand. Let me see what I can do.” A few moments later, she told me she could fit me in the same day.

This experience reminded me that trust compassionate communication in healthcare don’t only come from providers—it’s also about the relationships we build, the kindness we show, and the human connection we cultivate in every interaction.

It got me thinking about how this dynamic plays out in my own practice. A few days later, a patient came into my office, someone who had been seeing different doctors for decades. As I reviewed her case, she sighed and said, “Honestly, I don’t think anyone really listens anymore. They just see my symptoms and prescribe something.”

I know she’s not the only one who feels this way.

So I did something different. I closed her file, looked her in the eyes, and said, “Tell me everything—how are you really feeling?”

And in that moment, her entire posture changed. The guardedness disappeared. She was not just being treated; she was being heard.

That’s when it clicked—compassion is not just about what we do for patients; it’s about how we make them feel.

Healthcare providers often find it challenging to build genuine trust with patients.

It is not because they lack compassion or skill. It’s because trust is not something you demand—it’s something you earn. And earning it takes time, consistency, and the courage to be real.

But in a fast-paced world where patients often feel unheard and unseen, how can we, as providers, build trust that lasts? How can we make our patients feel truly cared for?

Let’s dive in.

What Makes Patients Trust Us?

Think about the last time you really trusted someone—someone who made you feel, “I can rely on this person.”

Chances are, it wasn’t just about their qualifications. It wasn’t just about what they said.

It was about how they made you feel—safe, valued, and understood.

Trust is built on one simple thing: human connection. And human connection thrives in vulnerability.

As healthcare providers, we often feel the need to appear strong, all-knowing, and in control. But sometimes, it’s our willingness to be real that makes all the difference.

The Secret to Trust: Vulnerability & Authenticity

We admire doctors and nurses who are skilled, but we trust the ones who show us they care.

Think about it—patients don’t just connect with the medical expert who rattles off facts. They connect with the provider who shares a small part of themselves: a reassuring smile, a personal story, a moment of genuine empathy.

Because when we share a little of ourselves, it tells our patients: “You’re not alone. I see you. I hear you.”

And trust me, that means more than any prescription ever could.

The Power of Presence

We live in a world where people are rushed, distracted, and constantly multitasking. But in a healthcare setting, presence is everything.

Your presence—the way you listen, the way you acknowledge concerns, the way you make eye contact—communicates something deeper than words ever can:

“I am here for you.”

And when patients feel that, trust naturally follows.

Embracing Imperfection

You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to be perfect. What you do need is to be present, to listen, and to let your compassion shine through.

Because at the end of the day, people don’t just remember how we treated their illness.

They remember how we treated them.

And that’s what makes all the difference.

The Other Side of Compassion: The Role of the Patient

Compassion is a two-way street. As much as healthcare providers strive to be kind, attentive, and empathetic, patients and clients also play a role in the healing process.

If you are seeking care, bring equal value to the table. Healing is not a passive experience—it requires a proactive mindset. Be open, receptive, and willing to engage in your own journey.

No amount of external support can change your internal biology if your mindset is clouded with negativity. If you don’t want to confront your blind spots or work through your past traumas, even the best specialist in the world cannot help you.

Healing, at its best, is gentle. It requires patience, trust, and a willingness to participate in the process. If you rush through it—whether as a provider or a patient—you may find yourself in a cycle of relapse, never truly healing at the core.

So, if you want to heal, approach it with kindness and patience—not just towards your healthcare provider, but towards yourself.

Actionable Steps for Providers and Patients to Build Trust and Care

For Healthcare Providers:

• Listen before diagnosing. Take the time to truly hear what the patient is saying.
• Acknowledge emotions. A patient’s experience is more than just symptoms; address their concerns with empathy.
• Communicate clearly. Avoid medical jargon and explain conditions and treatments in a way that patients can understand.
• Follow up. A simple check-in call or message can show genuine care beyond the appointment.
• Cultivate patience. Rushing through appointments may solve a symptom but not build lasting trust.

For Patients & Clients:

• Be honest about your symptoms and concerns. Transparency helps providers offer the best possible care.
• Be proactive in your healing. Take personal responsibility for lifestyle choices that impact your well-being.
• Follow treatment plans. Trust the process and give treatments time to work.
• Ask questions. Understanding your care leads to a more engaged and trusting relationship with your provider.
• Express gratitude. Recognizing your provider’s effort fosters a stronger connection.
• Respect appointment schedules. If you need to cancel, provide advance notice so the time can be used to help another patient in need.
• Show appreciation. Small gestures like thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation can brighten a provider’s day.
• Leave a positive review. Sharing your experience through a review helps support the provider and guide other patients.
• Maintain financial responsibility. Timely bill payments ensure that healthcare professionals can continue providing high-quality care.

Final Thought

Compassion is not just a part of healthcare. It’s the heart of it.

Stay compassionate. Stay real. Stay present.

With care,

Thi Hien Nguyen 

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Copyright © 2024 Thi Hien Nguyen. All Rights Reserved. This article was written by Thi Hien Nguyen. Hien is passionate about health, longevity, and helping others live healthier, longer lives. She shares actionable insights through her blog series To💯Healthy. Follow her on social media for more tips on how to optimize your health and longevity journey @thi_hien_nguyen.