Dealing with difficult patients

J Med Pract Manage. 2009 Jul-Aug;25(1):33-6.

Abstract

Every physician and every practice is confronted with difficult patients. How a doctor and a practice manage these difficult patients will ultimately determine the success of the practice. This article will discuss how to recognize the difficult patient, how to treat the difficult patient using the three-step response, and what to do if the patient doesn't comply with the standards of the practice.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Communication*
  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Decision Making
  • Humans
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Practice Management, Medical*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Withholding Treatment / ethics