A patient with moderate depression asks if they really need medication or if therapy alone is enough. How do you counsel them on treatment options?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks your understanding of depression treatments and how well you can communicate complex info to patients. Interviewers want to see if you can guide a patient in making informed choices while respecting their preferences.
Tips
- Start by validating the patient's concerns; it's a common question and shows you care.
- Clearly explain the treatment options: therapy alone, medication alone, or a combination, and discuss the pros and cons of each.
- Encourage shared decision-making by asking about the patient's values and preferences, and explore any underlying concerns they might have.
Common mistakes
- Don't just push one treatment option without explaining why or considering the patient's feelings.
- Avoid using medical jargon that might confuse the patient; keep it simple and relatable.
- Don't dismiss the patient's question or concerns; make sure they feel heard and involved in the decision-making process.