Non-compliant patients pose a significant challenge for health care practitioners due to the potential hazard they pose to themselves and potentially to the careers of the people in charge of their health care. More so, as an administrator in a health institution, this can also affect the ability of staff to perform optimally. Consequently, dealing with such problematic patients requires management through employing rationality, explaining the benefits and placing responsibility where it belongs.
Firstly, employing rationality can help health practitioners to implement their decisions when dealing with problematic patients. In cases where a patient does not heed advice from their doctor, it is important to remain calm and avoid frustrations that can derail the process further. Secondly, explaining the need for following the recommended instructions can play an important role in confirming that the patient truly understands the issue at hand and the resultant consequences. Lastly, as an administrator, ensuring that the responsibility of any failure lies squarely in the patient’s hand can play a role in enticing them to follow the right path. This is important because the patient will have to deal with the repercussions should any potential harm befall them.
Following the above recommendations can result in a higher percentage of patients deciding to follow instructions or advice provided by health practitioners by understanding that the decisions are in their best interest. Subsequent visits may require further negotiations to ensure that the ultimate decision is in line with the recommendations from the patient’s caregiver. Ultimately, ensuring that caregivers can be able to react and treat each case individually based on the patient’s characteristics and context can significantly increase the chances of positive outcomes.
Reference
Manne, R. & Kantheti, S. C. (2021). Application of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare: Chances and challenges.Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology 40(6), 78-89.