Trust is a Must

Currently, people often check Yelp before going to a restaurant, read reviews before making an Amazon purchase, and look for star ratings before selecting a movie to stream.

We are now accustomed to having hundreds or even thousands of perspectives in addition to our own impressions or the perspectives of friends and family – even when making relatively minor choices. When faced with a medical crisis, people seek our reassurance more than ever to make sure they will get the best diagnosis, the latest equipment, the highest-quality care and the most compassionate service.  That’s why we pledge to provide a world-class patient experience to every person, every time. When people are feeling their most scared and vulnerable, we want them to feel overwhelmingly reassured by every single person they talk to, every review they read and every experience they have that Adventist HealthCare is a place they can trust for their care.

But trust is hard to earn. First impressions are crucial – from the asphalt in the parking lot to the smile at the reception desk to the regard for privacy during triage. A gentle touch when taking a blood draw or the calm explanation of what will happen next can go a long way to ease fears. And initiatives like our “Commit to Sit” can help patients and their loved ones feel respected while they hear key information. Every patient experience is made up of countless small factors that add up to either bolster confidence or erode it.

And as caregivers, we know how much trust can lead to enhanced results. Patients who believe their providers are committed to supporting their complete wellness will disclose more personal details that can lead to a better diagnosis, care plan or outcomes. They will also be more likely to follow instructions to return for recommended screenings. But perhaps most of all, patients who have trust in their care team feel less anxious. And that is at the heart of our Mission to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.

When individuals are feeling scared from a symptom or vulnerable after a diagnosis, we want their first instinct to be to turn to us and feel hopeful. We want them to feel confident that we will help them make informed decisions and provide the very best in award-winning care. We want them to feel secure in the knowledge that we will be with them as a reliable partner during their health journey. And we want them to trust that we will help them achieve total well-being.

Thank you for all the ways you commit to building up that trust of our community – by listening to concerns, responding to requests, and helping each individual feel valued according to their unique preferences and needs. It is through the work of every member of our Adventist HealthCare family that we will continue to be relied on for excellent care. Thank you for helping us be the trusted choice for healing in our community.