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[Difficult patients in primary care: a quantitative and qualitative study].
X Mas Garriga1, J M Cruz Doménech, N Fañanás Lanau
1Especialistas en Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria. ABS Santa Eulàlia Sud. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. Barcelona. España. 22716xmg@comb.es
Atencion Primaria
|April 12, 2003
Summary
Difficult patients (DP) are uncommon but evoke significant physician frustration. Training in clinical interviewing is recommended to improve management of these challenging individuals.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Medical Education
Context:
- Difficult patients (DP) present unique challenges in urban healthcare settings.
- Identifying and understanding the profile of DP is crucial for effective patient care.
- Physician experiences and opinions regarding DP management are vital for improving healthcare delivery.
Purpose:
- To identify difficult patients (DP) and describe their demographic and clinical profiles.
- To explore the opinions and emotional experiences evoked in physicians by DP.
- To assess the perceived need for specific training in managing DP.
Summary:
- A descriptive, cross-sectional study identified 82 difficult patients (DP), representing 2.3% of visits.
- DP were predominantly women, with a mean age of 57.8 years, often presenting with multiple medical and psychiatric diagnoses.
- Physicians reported irritability and frustration, highlighting the significant emotional impact of DP despite their low prevalence.
Impact:
- DP, though quantitatively infrequent, impose a substantial emotional burden on healthcare providers.
- Physicians feel their current skills for managing DP are limited, underscoring a need for enhanced strategies.
- The study emphasizes the necessity of specific training in clinical interviewing to better manage difficult patients.