An insistent parent can be a problem when treating a child. An example is one who insists on antibiotics for a viral illness you have diagnosed. How do you typically approach this parent?
This is a question that centers on a common problem in pediatrics. For example, not only viral illnesses in which antibiotics are being demanded, but even the more controversial debate on antibiotics for otitis, which the literature is now citing the correct approach to be not to prescribe them. A sick child is a powder keg for disagreement between a parent and a provider. How you answer will portend accurately to the interviewer about your ethics and diplomacy.
"In the case of a viral illness, I would explain the difference between viruses and bacteria and why they call for different medications. I would also explain dangers to the child, such as allergies, adverse effects--GI--or igniting a superinfection and initiating resistance. If that failed to convince him or her, I would suggest a time period to determine if my recommendation was effective and leave the question open regarding adding antibiotics at that time. In the case of controversial conclusions in the literature, such as otitis, this is only an amplification of the same problem and I would act similarly."
