Quinetta Petite

Negotiations play a minimal role in patient education. Ultimately, it is up to the patient themselves if they would like to stay educated or not. Not all patients have the same attitude when it comes to healthcare. One patient may spend large amounts of time reading up on their condition in order to understand it better, whereas a different person may opt to take their physician’s word. If someone has less trust in their physician, then they will be more likely to conduct independent research. On the other hand, someone who trusts their physician and has been with them for a long time is less likely to conduct independent research on whatever they are told.

Negotiating does play a role in terms of patient recovery. Whenever someone is just starting a new recovery program, they may lack motivation. If they feel overwhelmed about doing an entire exercise routine, a physician can negotiate with them and get them to start by only doing a portion of it. However, medical professionals sometimes deal with difficult clients who do not want to take responsibility in their own recovery (Russell et al., 2003). This can lengthen the overall amount of time for recovery. On the other hand, there are some other patients who take a more proactive approach to healthcare. Each time they meet with a physician, they have first conducted online research pertaining to whatever questions they plan to ask their physician.

People who are skilled at negotiating are often good at remaining calm in stressful situations. This is a trait that many doctors and other medical professionals share. Even if a patient is being stubborn or uncooperative, a skilled medical professional can help calm the patient down and make them feel as if their perspective is understood.

References

Russell, S., Daly, J., Hughes, E., & Hoog, C. O. T. (2003). Nurses and ‘difficult patients: negotiating non‐compliance. Journal of advanced nursing, 43(3), 281-287.