How do you handle stubborn patients who do not want to listen to your instruction?

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1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example
Community Answers

Patients that are in pain or ones that are getting discouraged will sometimes become stubborn and not want to continue treatment. As a Physical Therapist Assistant how do you encourage your patients to continue and and stop being stubborn? Share a time with the interviewer where you had to work with a stubborn patient.

"There are times that my patients are stubborn but I just crack a few jokes to get us both laughing and it seems to break the ice and get them a better mood."

"If my patient is being stubborn I'll take a few minutes to pause treatment and just listen to their concerns. Sometimes patients are just having a bad day, need someone to listen and then they can move on."

Anonymous Answer

"I take the time to see what may be bothering them that particular day and what I can do to help. Often times, I will start with something simple, such as seated exercises, before getting them up and moving in order to ease their dismay."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your approach sounds very gentle and understanding, which are wonderful qualities for a PTA. Very well said! If you have a specific story of a time when you took this approach with a patient, this is a good opportunity to give a memorable example.

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How to Answer: How do you handle stubborn patients who do not want to listen to your instruction?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Physical Therapist Assistant job interview.

12. How do you handle stubborn patients who do not want to listen to your instruction?

How to Answer

Patients that are in pain or ones that are getting discouraged will sometimes become stubborn and not want to continue treatment. As a Physical Therapist Assistant how do you encourage your patients to continue and and stop being stubborn? Share a time with the interviewer where you had to work with a stubborn patient.

Written by Heather Douglass

1st Answer Example

"There are times that my patients are stubborn but I just crack a few jokes to get us both laughing and it seems to break the ice and get them a better mood."

Written by Heather Douglass

2nd Answer Example

"If my patient is being stubborn I'll take a few minutes to pause treatment and just listen to their concerns. Sometimes patients are just having a bad day, need someone to listen and then they can move on."

Written by Heather Douglass

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I take the time to see what may be bothering them that particular day and what I can do to help. Often times, I will start with something simple, such as seated exercises, before getting them up and moving in order to ease their dismay."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your approach sounds very gentle and understanding, which are wonderful qualities for a PTA. Very well said! If you have a specific story of a time when you took this approach with a patient, this is a good opportunity to give a memorable example.

Next Question