Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/86330
Would you trust these people's advice or feel confident in their abilities? I have a strong suspicion that you'd begin an immediate search for a new health-care provider. Though skin care professionals are not health-care providers, your clients perceive you in a similar light. You have sanitized implements, and sometimes wear gloves or other clinical, protective clothing. You often provide products to use as home-care treatments between visits. Clients expect a certain level of professionalism and recordkeeping to go along with these things. Client loyalty is increased when you remember each client's goals, needs, and personal details. Keeping notes will help you build rapport in this way. And, by supplementing notes with before-and-after photographs, you can show clients exactly how much progress has been made, helping to ensure their overall satisfaction. A strong written history will also make for an easier transition should you ever need to refer the client to someone else. You will look more professional, the other provider will be able to respond to the client with a deeper level of knowledge, and the client will be more at ease as a result. This translates into ongoing loyalty and respect, both from the client and from your referral partner, adding to the long-term stability of your business. "My clients have started asking for printouts of their SOAP notes to take with them to appointments with acupuncturists, physical therapists, and physicians," says massage therapist Katherine Mayerovitch. "And I know that if, heaven forbid, a client's records should ever be needed by a court of law, I will have a record of exactly what I have done, and why. There's no substitute for that kind of peace of mind." Mayerovitch's reasons are equally applicable to skin care professionals. Anyone working in esthetics may someday be in a situation where his or her work can be brought into question. Clients can have a negative reaction to any product, in addition to the risks inherent in chemical peels, waxing, and other types of treatment. "My clients have started asking for printouts of their SOAP notes to take with them to appointments with acupuncturists, physical therapists, and physicians," says massage therapist Katherine Mayerovitch. "And I know that if, heaven forbid, a client's records should ever be needed by a court of law, I will have a record of exactly what I have done, and why. There's no substitute for that kind of peace of mind." 31