When Physicians and Patients Disagree: What To Do?

presented by Bruce W. Spring, MD

The conflict between physicians and patients is a common practice experience for all physicians, and one that can be very difficult and stressful for the physician and/or patient. This is a frequent occurrence in medical encounters, and how well it is handled determines not only the clinical outcome of the visit but also impacts on the development of the clinician-patient relationship over time.   Physicians like to consider themselves as patient allies and advocates, and it is difficult when they get into conflict with their patients. Most physicians have had relatively little training in effective ways to deal with conflict situations, and tend to rely on whatever skills they have picked up over time. Physicians need an expanded set of communication tools to deal with situations of actual or potential conflict and disagreement between clinician and patient.

Desired Outcomes:

• Identify the causes of conflict.
• Utilize evidence-based tools to defuse conflict situations with patients.
• Transform conflict situations into a sense of partnership and collaboration with patients.
• Navigate cultural and/or language barriers to improve communication with patients.

CME Activity Fyer (PDF)