What will you do if you have a client that refuses to take care of their health?
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There are many challenges in the healthcare field, and one of them is treating patients who lack the desire to make healthy choices. You may encounter individuals who repeatedly visit your office with the same symptoms, asking for a pill rather than making the effort to live a healthy lifestyle. As you know, lifestyle choices greatly impact specific conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Tell the interviewer how you would handle a patient when they continue to complain of the same symptoms without taking the initiative to help themselves.
Example #1
"I have learned that working in the medical field requires a certain amount of tolerance. I remind patients of the impact healthy lifestyle choices will make on their conditions, but sometimes I am limited on my influence. I have found that giving patients a clear picture by explaining what is actually happening in their body helps them to understand and often take action."
Example #2
"It is frustrating to see ailing individuals who do not want to help themselves. I have found that many people are overwhelmed by the amount of conflicting information they receive. I will encourage my patients to make one small change at a time. This could include committing to drinking more water, or eating more fibrous foods."
Example #3
"This is the challenge of any patient care professional because patients are ultimately accountable for their health once they leave our care. I urge patients to look long-term at how they can make even small improvements. If they are unwilling to make those changes, it's my primary job to care for the patient regardless."
Anonymous Answer
"I would do my best to met them where they are. I would continue with education and treatment options. I would work with the patient to come up with even one small lifestyle change they could make to better their health. It's important for patients to be involved in their own healthcare decision-making process."
Rachelle's Reply
Very well stated! I have changed the order just a touch, to help with the flow.
Rachelle's Reply
"It is important that patients be involved in the health care decision-making process. For this reason, I do my best to meet them where they are at; meaning, I would continue with education and treatment options. Working with a patient to come up with even one small lifestyle change could be enough to make an impact on their health."
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Anonymous Answer
"In general, all health care professionals have a duty of taking care of their patients and making sure they comply with their medications and health advice. However, THE PATIENT is accountable for their health and their bodies. We can't force-feed them medications: the only thing we can do is keep following up with care and advice, but it takes listening and compliance for results to be seen."
Rachelle's Reply
Your answer shows a great deal of professionalism as well as boundaries that are necessary while working with patients and inside the healthcare system in general. Good work!
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