Take it as "No"
What do you do when you've laid out a plan for a patient in great detail and then they say: "I'd like to think about it."?
Here are a couple of ideas on that situation.Firstly, if you're hearing "I'd like to think about it." a lot then you are either being pushy or confusing or both. How not to be pushy and confusing will be the subjects of future blog posts.
Secondly, realise that "I'd like to think about it" actually means "No". It does not mean "Maybe". It does not mean that they will be at home thinking about it. It means "No".
And, it can be so disappointing.
You left the consultation full of hope because you felt that you'd laid out the plan beautifully. The patient seemed interested. You fantasised that the patient had gone home to iron out a few details prior to proceeding. You're certain that they'll call. You can feel it in your bones.It's only when, 6 months later, you ask your nurse what happened to Mrs Jones and she says that "we sent the records to Dr X down the street" that you realise what truly happened.
What's my suggestion?Whenever you hear "I'd like to think about it." do two things:
Take the pressure off completely. Stop pushing.
Get the patient back for something simple that they readily agree to such a whitening or cleaning or a small filling.
Doing those two things give you your best chance of maintaining the patient in the practice.