How to Answer: What are your best practices for treating a VIP patient?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Kaiser Permanente job interview.
4. What are your best practices for treating a VIP patient?
How to Answer
A VIP (very important patient) can be described as a patient whose status can influence judgment or actions. This is usually celebrities, politicians, or fellow doctors. This could also be family members of medical staff. Interviewers are asking this question to see if they can trust you with high-profile patients. While all patients should receive excellent care, this will be a time where you will have to be thoughtful when engaging with VIP patients.
Interviewers also ask this question to see if you are willing to bend the rules for a high-profile patient. To answer this question successfully, highlight your knowledge about the legal ramifications of treating a high-profile patient while remaining accomodating.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"I have never had experience working with a high-profile patient before. In this scenario, I would follow all standard protocol Kaiser had in place for safety, privacy, and patient care. I would be sure to follow all HIPAA and an extra level of confidentiality by not sharing with anyone that I was aware a high-profile patient was in our care. I would imagine the media would probably find out, so if media were present, I would not speak to them unless to tell them who to contact as our media or communications representative. From a personal perspective, I would treat them with care and respect and would never ask for any kind of autograph or other memorabilia."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"In my previous role, we cared for high-profile patients often. While I want to be mindful of their additional need for privacy, I also ensure that I am following all protocols as I do for my other patients. This means using their PHI on a minimum necessary basis, following all safety and privacy protocols, and providing care where it is the most appropriate. I know that Kaiser values honoring the patient in all aspects of care through extraordinary moments. In understanding the complexities of a VIP, I feel I am demonstrating that value."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
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