How would you counsel a patient whose expectations for restored vision after cataract surgery exceed what you know is realistically achievable?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks your communication skills and empathy. Interviewers want to see if you can manage patient expectations sensitively, especially when they might be unrealistic due to other eye conditions.
Tips
- Start by acknowledging the patient's hopes and excitement about their vision.
- Use clear and gentle language to explain the limitations without being harsh.
- Involve the patient in the conversation about what realistic outcomes look like for them.
Common mistakes
- Don't just bluntly tell the patient they won't get perfect vision; that can feel dismissive.
- Avoid using medical jargon that might confuse the patient instead of helping them understand.
- Don't forget to focus on the patient's overall quality of life and functional vision, rather than just the idea of 'perfect' vision.