In the realm of hospital fundraising, stories have the power to move hearts and open wallets. Patient stories serve as a window into the impact your institution has on individuals’ lives. Let’s take a deep dive into how to conduct grateful patient interviews that yield emotionally rich stories for effective fundraising campaigns.

1. Build a Genuine Connection During Grateful Patient Interviews

Before diving into the interview, establish rapport with the patient. Approach them with compassion, show empathy, and ensure they feel heard and valued. Remember, they volunteered to share this story with you; be grateful. 

Here are some rapport-building statements you can use:

• “We’re here to collaborate and ensure your story is told accurately and respectfully.”
• “Your perspective is invaluable, and we’re excited to work together to create something meaningful.”
• “Your comfort is our priority. Please feel free to share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.”
• “Your story has the potential to touch so many lives, and we’re truly grateful for your willingness to share.”
• “Your words can help us make a real impact, and we’re honored that you’re considering sharing your journey.”

2. Craft Questions that Evoke Emotions

We all know emotions are the key to successful fundraising. Thought-provoking questions that unearth the emotional depths of the patient’s journey are essential to gather the information you will need. 

Here are some examples:

• How did you feel upon learning about your diagnosis?
• Could you describe a moment when you felt an unexpected surge of determination?
• Could you describe the range of emotions you went through during your hospitalization, from the highs to the lows?
• How did you manage to maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges?

3. Actively Listen for Emotional Cues During Grateful Patient Interviews

During the interview, listen actively. Pay attention to nuances in tone and emotions. When a story takes an emotional turn, gently encourage the patient to explore that thought deeper or know when to change direction.

Here are some examples of questions to ask:

• Can you share moments when fear or worry was particularly overwhelming?
• Were there instances of unexpected joy during your treatment journey?
• Were there times when you battled with feelings of despair or discouragement? How did you manage to overcome these moments?
• What strategies did you employ to maintain a positive mindset throughout your hospital stay?

5. Encourage Honoring a Caregiver

Encourage patients to provide specific details about their emotional journey and how the hospital played a role. Ask for instances of kindness from hospital staff, personal milestones, or supportive interactions.

Here are some examples of questions to ask:

• Have there been moments when a gesture of kindness from hospital staff or fellow patients significantly impacted your emotional state?
• Can you recall a specific moment when the support from hospital staff made a significant difference in your emotional well-being?
• Share an instance where a small detail or interaction had a surprisingly profound impact on your emotional state.
• Share a turning point that significantly impacted your emotional state during your hospital stay.

Finally

Conducting grateful patient interviews for fundraising purposes requires a blend of empathy, strategic questioning, and sensitivity to emotions. By crafting stories that resonate emotionally, you humanize your cause and draw potential donors closer to your hospital’s mission. Embrace the art of patient storytelling to elevate your fundraising endeavors and make a lasting impact. 

Not sure where to start? Doing Good Digital can help. We specialize in Digital Grateful Patient campaigns and can help you start collecting these transformative stories today and help your digital fundraising efforts grow. Reach out today to get started!

More posts on digital grateful patients:

• 3 Models to Structure Your Digital Grateful Patient Program
• How to Expand Your Prospect Patient Pool