Field Guide to the Difficult Patient Interview

Written by physicians skilled at coaching colleagues in physician-patient communication, this pocket guide presents practical strategies for handling a wide variety of difficult patient interviews. Each chapter presents a hypothetical scenario, describes effective communication techniques for each phase of the interaction, and identifies pitfalls to avoid. The presentation includes examples of physician-patient dialogue, illustrations showing body language, and key references.

This edition includes new chapters on caring for physician-patients, communicating with colleagues, disclosing unexpected outcomes and medical errors, shared decision making and informed consent, and teaching communication skills. Other new chapters describe clinical attitudes such as patience, curiosity, and hope.

Written by physicians skilled at coaching colleagues in physician-patient communication, this pocket guide presents practical strategies for handling a wide variety of difficult patient interviews. Each chapter presents a hypothetical scenario, describes effective communication techniques for each phase of the interaction, and identifies pitfalls to avoid. The presentation includes examples of physician-patient dialogue, illustrations showing body language, and key references. This edition includes new chapters on caring for physician-patients, communicating with colleagues, disclosing unexpected outcomes and medical errors, shared decision making and informed consent, and teaching communication skills. Other new chapters describe clinical attitudes such as patience, curiosity, and hope.

Written by physicians skilled at coaching colleagues in physician-patient communication, this pocket guide presents practical strategies for handling a wide variety of difficult patient interviews. Each chapter presents a hypothetical scenario, describes effective communication techniques for each phase of the interaction, and identifies pitfalls to avoid. The presentation includes examples of physician-patient dialogue, illustrations showing body language, and key references.

This edition includes new chapters on caring for physician-patients, communicating with colleagues, disclosing unexpected outcomes and medical errors, shared decision making and informed consent, and teaching communication skills. Other new chapters describe clinical attitudes such as patience, curiosity, and hope.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Sally Ling, M.D.;FACP(University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine)
Description:This is the second edition of a book that aims to enhance effective patient care by fostering good interpersonal and communication skills in all physicians. Skills for managing the difficult patient interview can be learned and used productively. This book was originally published in 1999.
Purpose:There is increased recognition that effective patient-physician communication is fundamental to the practice of medicine. The teaching of communication skills and assessment of acquired competency is now part of the curriculum at both medical school and residency levels. This book provides specific strategies for handling difficult situations.
Audience:The book is ideal for all physicians in training as well as practicing physicians wanting to improve their skills in dealing with more difficult situations.
Features:The strategies used to manage different issues are illustrated by realistic conversations. This method highlights the intended teaching points in a tangible way. The format enables quick reading and the summary points at the end of each chapter listed under "Pitfalls to Avoid" are quite helpful.
Assessment:This should be an instrumental resource in teaching medical students and physicians in training the important art of communication that is paramount to effective patient care.