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Physicians and the difficult patient.

J C Staley1

  • 1Department of Psychology and Sociology, Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia 71753.

Social Work
|January 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary
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Physicians' emotional reactions influence patient labeling. Social workers can improve care quality by addressing physician-patient relationship dynamics and enhancing collaboration.

Area of Science:

  • Social Work in Healthcare
  • Medical Sociology
  • Patient-Physician Relationship Studies

Background:

  • Social workers have historically overlooked the physician-patient relationship's impact on healthcare quality.
  • A critical issue is the care received by patients labeled "difficult" by physicians.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine physicians' emotional responses to patients.
  • To review literature on how these reactions contribute to labeling patients as "difficult."
  • To explore social worker strategies for improving the physician-patient relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of medical and social work research.
  • Analysis of physician emotional reactions and patient labeling.
  • Conceptualization of "difficult patient" as a relationship dynamic.

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Main Results:

  • Physician emotional reactions play a significant role in labeling patients as "difficult."
  • The "difficult patient" label often reflects a relationship issue, not solely patient behavior.
  • Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective social work intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Social workers must address the physician-patient relationship to enhance care quality for all clients.
  • Humanizing the physician-patient interaction requires targeted social work strategies.
  • Increased collaboration between social workers and physicians is essential for optimizing patient care and outcomes.