What’s your approach when a long-term patient doesn’t follow medical advice?

Specialty-Specific

Purpose

This question digs into how you handle communication and patient management when a patient isn't sticking to their treatment plan. Interviewers want to see your empathy, problem-solving skills, and understanding of patient barriers.

Tips

  • Start by exploring the reasons behind the non-adherence without judgment.
  • Use active listening to understand the patient's perspective and validate their feelings.
  • Be ready to adapt the treatment plan collaboratively based on the patient's needs and preferences.

Common mistakes

  • Don't just blame the patient or show frustration; that's a major red flag.
  • Avoid giving generic advice without understanding the patient's unique situation.
  • Don't focus solely on convincing them to follow your plan; it's about partnership and shared decision-making.