Related Experiment Videos
Management of the difficult patient
Leonard J Haas1, Jennifer P Leiser, Michael K Magill
1The University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. lhaas@dfpm.utah.edu
American Family Physician
|December 14, 2005
Summary
Physicians often encounter difficult patients due to behavioral issues. Addressing patient, physician, and system factors, along with communication strategies, can improve patient care relationships.
Area of Science:
- Medical Practice
- Patient-Physician Relationship
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Physicians frequently encounter patients presenting behavioral or emotional challenges impacting care.
- These difficulties stem from complex interactions between patient, physician, and healthcare system factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze the multifaceted factors contributing to patient-physician relationship difficulties.
- To propose strategies for physicians to effectively manage challenging patient interactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of patient-related factors including psychiatric and personality disorders.
- Analysis of physician-related issues such as overwork and communication.
- Examination of healthcare system influences like productivity pressures and fragmented care.
Main Results:
- Patient factors include psychopathology and personality traits.
- Physician factors involve overwork, communication deficits, and discomfort with uncertainty.
- System factors encompass productivity demands and fragmented care delivery.
Conclusions:
- Careful assessment for psychopathology is crucial.
- Physicians can benefit from peer support and professional care.
- Enhanced communication techniques and patient involvement can improve relationships.