Some clients participating in treatment programs for substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health issues struggle to connect with the treatment process. Strengthening the client-clinician relationship improves client engagement and ensures treatment adherence, reducing stress on healthcare professionals. The experts at Driftwood Recovery understand that helping clients stay engaged in treatment creates better outcomes. Staff members must build trust with clients, families, and communities to effectively provide high-quality care.
Why Is Client Engagement Essential?
Clients actively participating in treatment programs often report fewer long-term symptoms and better overall outcomes. People who feel engaged with their care team and the recovery process will likely remain motivated long-term to make essential lifestyle changes.
Client engagement is essential because it does the following:
- Encourages treatment adherence
- Empowers clients to actively participate in treatment
- Enhances collaboration between clients and clinicians
- Increases client knowledge about treatment and recovery
- Decreases stress on healthcare professionals
- Results in better quality care
- Reduces the risk of miscommunication
- Creates a stronger relationship between clients and clinicians
Studies have shown that “[e]ffectively engaging patients in their care is essential to improve health outcomes, improve satisfaction with the care experience, reduce costs, and even benefit the clinician experience.” Staff at Driftwood Recovery use evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to ensure clients remain informed and engaged in their treatment.
Helping Clients Stay Engaged Reduces Strain on Staff
Staff members who constantly work to keep clients following treatment guidelines are more likely to feel stressed and under increased pressure. Clients who voluntarily adhere to program rules and work to achieve their recovery goals cause less strain on programs and individual staff members.
Keeping clients engaged in their treatment programs does the following:
- Improves overall client health
- Decreases the risk of relapse
- Enhances communication and collaboration
- Empowers clients and encourages self-responsibility
- Optimizes program resources
- Streamlines program workflows
- Fosters trust between clients and clinicians
- Creates a positive environment for healing and personal growth
According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), “Every day, clinicians and practices embrace new technologies, discover ways to improve care, and find opportunities for meaningful patient connection.” The relationships healthcare professionals build with clients can save lives “[b]ecause engaged patients have the knowledge, skills, ability, and willingness to manage their health and care and to act on clinicians’ recommendations.” Treatment programs at Driftwood Recovery help clients and clinicians develop essential tools for lasting change by engaging clients in every aspect of treatment, including care planning.
Helping Clients Stay Engaged Through Every Stage of Treatment
Most clients participate in multiple levels of care, each with unique challenges and expectations for healthcare professionals. Experts in addiction recovery and mental health help clients remain engaged as they transition through the various levels of care by providing emotional support, skill development, and positive reinforcement. Consistency and structure are essential in rehabilitation programs. Driftwood Recovery uses a multidisciplinary approach to client care, ensuring clients and clinicians receive the support they need for a positive treatment experience.
Some of the ways healthcare professionals help clients stay engaged throughout treatment include:
- Regular progress check-ins
- Providing constructive feedback and guidance
- Personalizing treatment plans
- Using motivational interviewing (MI) to encourage active participation
- Celebrating small successes and significant milestones
- Incorporating engaging activities into treatment plans
- Providing psychoeducation, relapse prevention, and other forms of education
- Offering access to peer support groups and community activities
- Maintaining transparency and honest communication
- Setting realistic treatment goals and expectations
Everyone benefits when staff members work closely with clients to meet their needs and treatment goals. Clinicians and support staff ensure clients establish and maintain sobriety and positive mental health during recovery.
Helping Clients Stay Engaged at Driftwood Recovery
Driftwood Recovery professionals use many methods to increase client engagement, including peer, community, and family support. Staff work closely with clients to determine how best to support their recovery and promote accountability. Clients who practice self-accountability and mindfulness are more likely to engage with treatment services. Therapists and other professionals provide clients with the necessary tools to develop these skills.
Some of the ways healthcare professionals ensure clients remain engaged at Driftwood Recovery include:
- Working closely with friends and family to ensure clients have a safe and nurturing home environment
- Providing comprehensive treatment and aftercare plans
- Educating clients to ensure they understand the importance of following through with treatment and continuing care
Clinicians who find positive ways to engage clients in treatment can reduce strain on various departments and improve overall workplace satisfaction.
Creating Personalized Care Plans Improves Treatment Quality
Personalized care plans offer greater adaptability and make it easier for healthcare professionals to keep clients focused on treatment and long-term recovery. Personalized care allows clients to take advantage of in-person, telehealth, and community-based resources during treatment and aftercare, reducing the risk of relapse and improving overall wellness. Driftwood Recovery also offers referrals to outside services for clients needing additional support to remain engaged in treatment programs.
The medical field is high-stress, and many healthcare professionals struggle to manage daily stressors while providing effective client care. Clients and clinicians benefit when healthcare programs use evidence-based and holistic therapies or techniques to engage clients in treatment. Client engagement reduces some of the stress on healthcare professionals by improving the effectiveness of treatment services. Driftwood Recovery uses community activities, complementary treatments, integrative care, personalized treatment plans, and other services to enhance client engagement. Collaboration and healthy communication between clients and clinicians reduces pressure on staff and workplace stress. To learn more about our programs and how our experts navigate challenges in client care, call us today at (512) 759-8330.