QUESTION 20 OF 30

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

"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."

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."

Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.

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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Physical Therapist Assistant Mock Interview

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

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30 Physical Therapist Assistant Interview Questions & Answers