Difficult doctor-patient relationships

Although difficult consultations constitute about 15% of general practice work, patients considered 'difficult' by one doctor, may not be thought 'difficult' by another. Rather than labelling and therefore dismissing patients, it is more helpful to consider that the relationships may be difficult rather than the patient.

To change the perspective from labelling a patient as difficult to considering the difficulties in the relationship between doctor and patient. This empowers the doctor to use communication skills to develop appropriate strategies for change.

This article describes a method for managing difficult doctor-patient relationships that involves acknowledging the problem, settling boundaries, using additional communication skills and, when necessary, bringing in external resources to assist both doctor and patient.