Tag: Challenging patients

Up to 15% of all patient-physician encounters are rated as difficult by the clinicians involved, highlighting a common challenge in healthcare. Determining **what is the most difficult type of patient** is complex, as 'difficulty' often stems from the interplay between a patient's behavior and the provider's ability to cope, rather than a single personality type. This dynamic involves patients with complex psychological or social needs, behaviors rooted in pain or fear, and systemic factors that strain the healthcare relationship.

According to the University of Washington, approximately 15% of all adult patient encounters involve a difficult patient-clinician relationship. A common and instructive example of **what is an example of a difficult patient situation** involves a patient with chronic pain who frequently seeks stronger medication despite the treatment plan, a scenario that often strains the provider-patient relationship. This article explores this and other complex patient interactions and provides strategies for managing them effectively.