How Do You Handle An Upset Patient?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Invest some time. Sometimes a patient’s anger is really a cry for help or attention. …
  2. Dial up the empathy. …
  3. Keep your cool. …
  4. Mind your body language. …
  5. Physically protect yourself. …
  6. Legally protect yourself. …
  7. Try to end the conversation on a positive note.

What do you say to an upset patient?

Try using these phrases when meeting with a patient: “

You look really upset. Tell me about it

.” “I’m so sorry this is happening to you.”

How would you handle a patient who is unhappy with their care?

  1. Listen to the complaint and identify the problem. …
  2. Don’t lose control. …
  3. Remind the patient you expect to be treated with respect. …
  4. Empathize with the patient. …
  5. Find a solution.

How do you handle a difficult patient?

  1. Don’t Get Defensive. …
  2. Watch Your Body Language. …
  3. Let Them Tell Their Story and Listen Quietly. …
  4. Acknowledge the Situation. …
  5. Set Boundaries. …
  6. Administer Patient Satisfaction Surveys. …
  7. Be Proactive.

How do you handle difficult patients or family members?


Focus on developing a therapeutic relationship with your patient’s family

. Pull them aside and invite them to tell you everything they’re worried about. Be patient; the most important thing is to listen. Don’t become defensive, even if their points seem irrational or unjustified.

How would you deal with a patient making a complaint against you?

  1. Listen. As simple as it sounds, it is your first step in dealing with the complaint effectively. …
  2. Repeat. Summarize what the customer said so they know you were listening.
  3. Apologize. I am often amazed by how powerful this one word is. …
  4. Acknowledge. …
  5. Explain. …
  6. Thank the customer.

What should you do if a patient complains to you?

  1. Listen. Stop what you are doing, and give your undivided attention to the patient. …
  2. Empathize. Place yourself in the patient’s place. …
  3. Inquire. …
  4. Act. …
  5. Conclude. …
  6. Document.

How do you set boundaries with difficult patients?

  1. Instruct the patient to come to the office only for scheduled follow-up visits and to call only during office hours or in an emergency.
  2. Be upfront about the time allowed for each appointment and ask the patient to help focus the discussion according to his or her main concerns.

How do you handle difficult situations at work?

  1. Use Conflict as a Natural Resource. …
  2. Don’t React. …
  3. Deal with Feelings. …
  4. Attack the Problem, Not the Person. …
  5. Practice Direct Communication. …
  6. Look Past Positions to the Underlying Interests. …
  7. Focus on the Future.

How do you comfort a patient family?

  1. 1) Acknowledge that you can’t imagine how they are feeling. …
  2. 2) Ask about their loved one. …
  3. 3) Ask them what they need. …
  4. 4) Help them connect with those who will best support them. …
  5. 5) Ask if they want to speak with a doctor about any questions that have come up.

When would a patient make a complaint?

Complaints may be a way for

patients to express their anger or frustration

, or they may be the result of breakdown in communication. They are also often made without an understanding of how the healthcare system really works, or without an awareness of the factors that can influence the quality of care delivered.

What should be the next step after resolving a complaint?

  1. Acknowledge the complaint.
  2. Inform the customer that you are taking action.
  3. Record and categorize the customer complaint.
  4. Resolve the complaint according to company policy.

How do you handle patient?

  1. Listen to the complaint and identify the problem. …
  2. Don’t lose control. …
  3. Remind the patient you expect to be treated with respect. …
  4. Empathize with the patient. …
  5. Find a solution.

What do patients complain about most?

  • Scheduling difficulties. …
  • Disagreements with staff. …
  • Feeling unheard. …
  • Not getting enough time with the doctor. …
  • Waiting too long. …
  • Confusion with insurance and billing.

How do you set boundaries with patients?

  1. Don’t pursue a sexual or close emotional relationship with a patient or someone close to them.
  2. Act quickly to re-establish boundaries if a patient behaves inappropriately.
  3. Avoid sharing personal information with patients in person or online.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.