How to Greet Your Patients

Most patients want physicians to greet them with a handshake and to introduce themselves using their first and last names.

The first step in developing trusting relationships with patients is an appropriate introduction. Investigators conducted a random telephone survey of 415 English-speaking adults across the U.S. about their expectations for physician greetings. They also analyzed 123 videotaped encounters between new patients and 19 physicians from two academic primary care practices.

Most survey respondents (78%) reported that they want physicians to shake their hands the first time they meet. Younger patients were significantly more likely than older patients to want a physician to shake their hands, but otherwise the preference was consistent for patients of all sexes, ethnicities, and education levels. About 56% of respondents wanted physicians to introd…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)