Abstract. Difficult patients are defined as those who elicit strong negative emotions from their physicians. If not acknowledged and managed correctly, these feelings can lead to diagnostic errors, unpleasant confrontations, and troublesome complaints or legal claims.
If you want to appreciate why some patients get angry it is important to look at the stressors that the doctor's surgery might create: rudeness or lack of respect; long delays without any explanation; receiving unexpected bad news; delay or perceived delay in providing a service; losing control or being disempowered.
How do doctors manage difficult patients and problems? Simple. But never easy...
42 related questions found
How would you handle a difficult and angry patient?
Keep your cool and don't be manipulated by the patient's anger. Never get angry yourself or try to set limits by saying, "Calm down" or "Stop yelling." As the fireworks explode, maintain eye contact with the patient and just listen. Try to understand the event that triggered the angry outburst.
Why do patients act rudely towards doctors and nurses? There are many reasons patients and family act rudely towards medical staff, including fear, frustration, pain, mental illness, infection, or other complex social, physical or mental issues.
Patience is the ability to stay calm while you're waiting for an outcome that you need or want. According to research by psychologist Sarah Schnitker, it comes in three main varieties: interpersonal patience, life hardship patience, and daily hassles patience.
You can say “pardon” or “help me understand what you are saying” or “I don't understand what you are trying to say”, even though you understand exactly what the patient is saying. Use non-confrontational body language.
Nurses can help reduce patient anxiety through many methods including effective communication, active listening, personal visits, medication, music, and aromatherapy. Each nurse develops ways to recognize signs that patients feel anxious or in distress.
Patience improves your ability to accept setbacks and enjoy life much more. There is a saying; “Good things come to those who wait.” Patience allows you to persevere and make more productive decisions, often leading to greater success.
Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success, perhaps even more than skills, talent, and experience. Because it ain't over till it's over.
