Expert Q & A
Handling a Senior's Anxiety Over a Doctor's Diagnosis
May 16, 2013 10:59AM
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Question: My father’s doctor always makes him nervous by constantly talking about the worst-case scenarios for simple ailments. How should I tackle this issue?
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Patient Communications Expert, Edward Leigh
Answer:
Thank you for writing. Many physicians often discuss all the terrible problems that may arise from common illness. This may be done for several reasons, including:
-- In case the patient is one of those rare people that have an issue with a common illness. In this way, the patient doesn't come back and say, “Why didn't you tell me this could happen?” However these issues should be buffered with fact that most people do not have any major problems.
-- The use of scare tactics to get their patients to follow a certain treatment. They state that if you do not follow this plan then all these bad things may happen to you. The use of scare tactics is controversial in healthcare with many feeling they are not effective. One study found that personal empathic interventions with patients are more effective than scare tactics. Here is a link to an article that discusses the downside of scare tactics:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223121406.htm
There are two people involved in this issue, your father and the physician. First, explain to your father that physicians often discuss worse-case scenarios as a precaution and that most people do fine with common medical ailments. Also, mention how some physicians resort to scare tactics. Next, you may want to speak to his doctor. If the doctor appears approachable, I would gently express your concerns asking the doctor to mention serious problems are uncommon. This issue with your dad certainly seems very stressful, however it is very important to be very pleasant with his doctor. I would recommend writing your thoughts to help you put them in a logical order. Be sure to include specific examples.
Avoid “you” language and focus on “I” language. For example, avoid saying, “You are scaring my dad!” This would be a better statement, “I am concerned about my father’s anxiety over all the possible serious problems
that can occur from common medical issues. Let’s talk about this issue to find a solution as to how the information is presented to my dad.” Focus on being a partner with the doctor and together come up with a mutually-agreed upon solution.
Good luck to you and your father.
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Edward Leigh, MA, focuses on helping patients and healthcare professionals effectively communicate with each other. Excellent communication skills dramatically enhance patient satisfaction and safety. He presents high-energy and informative programs for hospitals, healthcare associations, medical practices, government organizations and universities. He is also an in-demand consultant and coach. He has a master’s degree in health education.
For more information, go to http://www.communicatingwithpatients.com/
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