​How To Deal With Difficult Patients?

If you are a doctor who has seen a record number of patients then you must have come across an angry or frustrated patient. It is important how you respond to a stereotypical difficult patient. A professional way of handling difficult patients will always result in a positive outcome.

Signs of a difficult patient

The most common types of difficult patients, which at one time or another, a doctor has to come across are the silent and insensitive, the upset, the know-it-all, the angry or rude and the indecisive. A major step toward the professional way of handling a patient is to understand them and to "think like a patient". He/She might have a complain about the bill or how long they had to wait for the doctor consultation. Furthermore, with the way the world is developing, people are more knowledgeable about their particular illness than you think. After-all they might know a friend who had the same problem and had the diagnosis. Some might even have financial issues. Like you, a patient also values their own time. They might be in a hurry and so they don't have to wait long for their appointments.

Tips to deal with a difficult patient

• Stay compassionate. It is the quickest way to calm an angry patient.Be respectful and tell them that you understand their situation. It must be hard for them to be in a hospital/clinic writhing in pain. Express yourself that you care about them.
• Keep calm. A patient is not affecting you personally.He/She might be frustrated and acting out of anxiety. Remaining calm will not only help the patient but also keeps you under control and thereby lighten the situation.
• Avoid dispute. You are completely allowed to voice your opinion about the case but you should take care that it doesn't develop into an argument. Instead of arguing simply apologize and reassure them.
• Have a conversation. Try making soft conversations even-though the patient is yelling. Ask their name, their workplace and try to be yielding. Let the patient know that you understand them.
• Set limits and get over it. In some situations, when it comes to know-it-all patients, you might have to set limits to keep yourself from exploding in anger. So let them know that you'll check on them again after 15 minutes or less. After your interaction, take a deep breath, release all your anger and stress and remind yourself that you have to be strong to deal with the beautiful day ahead.

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