Difficult conversations: anger in the clinician-patient/family relationship
Lown, B.A.
Southern Medical Journal 100(1): 33-9; Quiz 40-2 62
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0038-4348 PMID: 17269523 Document Number: 608603
Anger is a "syndrome" of thoughts, feelings and physiologic reactions. Behavioral responses to anger are influenced by multiple contextual factors. Patients and family members may express anger in response to their own experiences of illness, the healthcare system, or the physician-patient/family relationship. Anger may evoke a variety of clinician responses that while understandable, inadvertently escalate patient and family anger. Clinicians who cultivate personal awareness, practice mindful self-monitoring during their interactions, explore the differential diagnosis of anger, demonstrate specific communication skills, set clear boundaries and seek personal support can overcome the challenges of these difficult conversations, and begin to restore trust in the physician-patient/family relationship.