How Healthcare Groups Can Help Normalize Surgical Anxiety With Baby Boomers To Grow Their Practice

Empowering Baby Boomers: Overcoming Surgical Anxiety for Better Healthcare and Practice Growth

Written by: Aaron Michael Buch

Many older generations, including baby boomers, have been raised in a time when discussing mental health issues such as anxiety or fear was considered taboo. As a result, older patients may be less likely to admit to their struggles with these issues as it relates to getting surgery that they need. This can be a major obstacle for medical practices that are trying to provide the best possible healthcare for older patients. However, there are strategies that medical practices can use to help normalize these fears and encourage older patients to seek the care they need.

One of the most important tactics that medical practices can use is to create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for older patients. This can be achieved by training staff to understand and empathize with the unique concerns that older patients may have about surgery, as well as providing a comfortable and private space where patients can discuss these concerns with a medical professional.

Another tactic is to provide older patients with educational resources that can help them to understand the surgical process and their options. This can include providing information on the benefits and risks of surgery, as well as information on how to prepare for surgery, recover from surgery, and manage post-surgery care.

Additionally, medical practices can also provide older patients with counseling services and support groups. This can be led by trained professionals such as counselors, psychologists, or social workers and can help patients to process and manage their fears and anxieties. It can also provide an opportunity for older patients to connect with others who are going through a similar experience, which can be a powerful tool for reducing feelings of isolation and improving emotional well-being.

It can also be helpful for medical practices to provide their older patients with a list of alternative treatment options such as Physical therapy, occupational therapy and non-invasive procedures when appropriate. Providing them with these options can help to alleviate fears and anxieties about surgery, and also provide them with more control over the course of their treatment.

Finally, it is important for medical practices to communicate with older patients in a way that is respectful and easy to understand. This can be done by providing clear explanations of the surgical process and post-surgery care, as well as addressing any concerns or questions that older patients may have.

In conclusion, older generations, including baby boomers, may be less likely to admit to their struggles with anxiety or fear as it relates to getting surgery that they need due to the taboo nature of mental health issues in their time. However, medical practices can take steps to normalize these fears by creating a welcoming and non-judgmental environment, providing educational resources, counseling services, and alternative treatment options, and communicating effectively with older patients. By taking these steps, medical practices can help older patients to feel more comfortable and confident about the surgical process and ensure that they get the care they need.