How to Use the Fresh Start Effect to Increase Patient Visits, Improve Patient Care, and Increase Revenue
Aug 01, 2024
Ever notice a surge in motivation to achieve something big as you reach a certain age? This is known as the "Fresh Start Effect." You can harness this phenomenon to inspire your patients!
The "Fresh Start Effect" is a term used by psychologists regarding the brain's desire to take on new tasks or feel more motivated at the beginning of the week, month, or year. ⭐
For example, I recently came across a study revealing that people are much more likely to run their first marathon, half marathon, 10k, or 5k at ages ending in nine, like 29, 39, or 49, driven by a motivation to accomplish a life goal before they turn 30, 40, 50, etc. 🏃♂️
We can see the same Fresh Start Effect when it comes to milestones or significant life events such as school reunions, milestone birthdays, and even holidays (hello, resolutions!).
So, how can we use the Fresh Start Effect to motivate patients to take action, schedule an appointment, and improve their health?
🎂In healthcare, we can extrapolate an unlimited amount of data from electronic health records. You can use that data to reach out to patients when they are at an age ending in a 9, coming up on a milestone birthday, or could even have a big life event coming up (10, 20, 30 years from when they were 18 is probably when their high school reunion will be), and speak to an accomplishment they've been considering.
📉You could tell them about the new weight loss program you're starting, the new dietitian you just hired, or how your physical therapist can get them ready for a big race.
You can also use the end of the month, the end of the quarter, or the year to test out the Fresh Start Effect. As the end of August approaches, how can you motivate your patients with the start of the fall season?
Think about what services you want to highlight, and then think about how to use the Fresh Start Effect to get people to utilize those services. You're not only increasing visits, you're increasing your patients' awareness of everything you have to offer, and you're helping them improve their health. win-win-win
What are some ideas you have for motivating patients to schedule an appointment with one of your providers?
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