Dealing with stressful situations?

[aclementine]

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How would you deal with an angry patient who's been waiting at the hospital since 7am in the morning, and the moment you go in to see them, they want a different doctor because you seem too young?

Has this ever happened to you guys? What would you do?

 

[WellWornLad]

How would you deal with an angry patient who's been waiting at the hospital since 7am in the morning, and the moment you go in to see them, they want a different doctor because you seem too young?

Has this ever happened to you guys? What would you do?

What does one have to do with the other?

I would say, "Here are your choices: you can make an appointment with another doctor and wait some more, or see me right now."

Either way is fine with me.

 

[aclementine]

it'd say that's a tad insensitive no?

the two problems are not directly related... it's just really hurts when a patient tells the nurse they've been waiting forever, and then when you're able to go see them... they want a different doctor because you look too young

 

[WellWornLad]

it'd say that's a tad insensitive no?

Give em a hug if you want, but those are the options.

the two problems are not directly related... it's just really hurts when a patient tells the nurse they've been waiting forever, and then when you're able to go see them... they want a different doctor because you look too young

So, this issue is not about dealing with the patient - it's about your feelings.

The guy/gal is making a judgement about you based on how you look. It's a textbook definition of "nothing personal." Be professional, explain to the patient what his/her options are, and be happy that you still get carded when you go to bars.

A med student I know has had patients refuse to let him examine them because he is black. It's not pleasant, but he's under no illusions that it's his fault. You're just not going to cure prejudice, so don't take it home with you.

 

[strv04]

Acknowledge their anger and ask what it is you can do to help the situation. Try to accommodate their request if it's possible. If its not possible offer the realistic alternative of what is possible.

This situation is a test of professionalism. You have to put your role as a physician above your personal feelings towards the angry patient.

 

[DanDickson]

How would you deal with an angry patient who's been waiting at the hospital since 7am in the morning, and the moment you go in to see them, they want a different doctor because you seem too young?

Has this ever happened to you guys? What would you do?

Hey this is the problem of him. u can not do anything with it. After all knowledge wins. And who says if anybody is young then he is not capable. So this is a different mentality of him . So let him deal with his mind.

 

[TexasPhysician]

What does one have to do with the other?

I would say, "Here are your choices: you can make an appointment with another doctor and wait some more, or see me right now."

Either way is fine with me.

Not only have I done this in the Emergency Department, but my attending backed me up, allowing the patient to sit in the room for another hour.

Our psychiatry department now makes every patient sign a waiver agreeing to let students examine/be present in the room. If you don't sign the waiver, go elsewhere.