How would you respond if a long-term patient requested antibiotics or an imaging study that you feel is not medically necessary?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks how well you communicate and handle ethical dilemmas, especially with long-term patients. Interviewers want to see if you can balance patient trust with medical necessity.
Tips
- Start by acknowledging the patient's concerns to show empathy.
- Explain clearly why the request isn't necessary, using simple language.
- Offer evidence-based alternatives and a follow-up plan to keep the patient engaged.
Common mistakes
- Don't just say 'no' without explaining your reasoning; that can come off as dismissive.
- Avoid using medical jargon that the patient might not understand.
- Don't forget to reaffirm the patient relationship; it's important to maintain trust.