Saying the wrong thing to a patient can harm that relationship or even contribute to a malpractice lawsuit.
Saying the wrong thing to a patient can harm that relationship or, in a worst-case scenario, even contribute to a malpractice lawsuit.
Here are 7 things physicians should never say to their patient, and advice on what to say instead.
Don’t say:
“Let’s not worry about that for now”!
Why not?
One of the major causes of medical malpractice litigation is a failure to have meaningful, empathetic conversations with patients.
Patients often interpret responses like this as dismissive of their concerns, and can harm their relationship with their physician.
Don’t say:
“Thanks for bringing in that info from the Internet. I think it’s best if you let me diagnose you, though”.
Why not?
In this example, there’s no effort made to understand the patient’s views or respect them as a partner in the treatment decision-making process.
Don’t say:
“You need to calm down”!
Why not?
Telling an angry patient to calm down can have the opposite effect.
The best approach is to give the patient time to calm down, show the patient you take them seriously, and acknowledge the source of the anger.
Don’t say:
“Do you understand”?
Why not?
Many patients will respond to this simple question with a yes regardless of whether they actually understand.
Instead, ask: “I’d like to make sure I’ve explained things clearly, would you mind explaining in your own words what you understand of our discussion”?
Don’t say:
“Oh, don’t worry about that. Most patients in your situation feel this way”.
Why not?
When physicians explain away patient distress as normal, it can prevent further patient disclosure.
Don’t say:
“I’m running late today so let’s get right to it”.
Why not?
Physicians are subjected to enormous time pressures, and patients understand this too.
But patients who feel hurried may withhold crucial information necessary for clinical care and are more hesitant of asking questions because they don’t want to waste the doctor’s time.
Do not appear rushed, even if you are.
Don’t say:
Anything too quickly.
Why not? One of the best ways to indicate that you are listening is silence so don’t respond too quickly. Wait a little longer since you never know what the patient may say.
