Risk Management Consult
Repairing Difficult Patient Relationships

Overview
When a potential conflict with a patient arises, the way you respond to the situation will often mean the difference between a hostile confrontation and an amicable, mutually-acceptable resolution.  The difference lies in your ability to see through the false fronts and recognize what’s really driving the patient’s difficult behavior, then respond in a way that’s professionally appropriate and most likely to produce a desirable result.  Such a response will not only increase the likelihood of a good patient outcome, but it will considerably reduce the risk that your patient will go looking for a lawyer.  Further, the lessened strife with your patients will make your own life that much more enjoyable.  Teaching you how to achieve that is what this course is all about. 

Objectives
Upon completion of this course, a physician should be able to:
1. Identify underlying issues that can cause some patients to seem difficult to get along with.
2. Implement solutions for dealing with different types of challenging patients.
3. Improve patient adherence by using specific techniques to determine reasons for noncompliance.
4. Design specific strategies to help patients help themselves.

Target Audience
This course is designed for physicians of all specialties who want to improve patient outcomes by more effectively handling difficult patient situations..

Metholodogy
This is a self-study course consisting of text and CME test.  Physicians should read the course content, answer the test questions and submit the answers for scoring.  Those who complete the course with a score of 80 percent or higher will earn a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 creditsTM.

Faculty/Author
This course was developed by Rosemary Gafner, Ed.D.  Dr. Gafner’s CV is available on request or online at https://www.medrisk.com/Medrisk/Faculty/CV/default.aspx.

CME Information
Medical Risk Management, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education for physicians.  Medical Risk Management, Inc.designates this continuing medical education activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 creditsTM.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  This activity is valid for release August 1, 2008 and expires on July 31, 2011.

Commercial Support

This activity was developed solely by Medical Risk Management, Inc. without any outside commercial support.

Disclosure

Dr. Gafner has disclosed no relevant financial relationship with any supporter of this activity.