1. Surveys
For long-range planning, a detailed survey that focuses on all aspects of your service is very helpful. Comprehensive surveys require time, thought, energy, dollars and expertise—and they’re time-consuming for everyone, so use them sparingly. Short surveys that focus on one particular area are beneficial and easy to do with online tools. Ask no more than five questions.
2. Feedback boxes
Place a feedback box on your website to get open-ended responses. Facebook and other social media is a great option for requesting and collecting such comments as well.
3. Blogs
Creating a blog is a great way to get dialogue going between you and your customers. Pose a question and see where it goes.
4. Face-to-face interaction
Talk to your customers. You can probe to learn more, and you also have made a friend.
5. Observe and listen
Observe a patient when he or she receives a tray. Watch and listen as your customers approach and leave the service area to pick up cues.