Example response for question delving into Experience, Interpersonal Skills with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

•  Situation: I encountered a difficult patient during my clinical rotation in a hospital laboratory
•  Patient's Behavior: The patient was anxious, uncooperative, and resistant to any medical procedures
•  Approach: I approached the patient with empathy and understanding, acknowledging their fears and concerns
•  Communication: I actively listened to the patient, allowing them to express their frustrations and anxieties
•  Explanation: I explained the importance of the procedures and the potential benefits to their health
•  Collaboration: I collaborated with the healthcare team to develop a personalized care plan for the patient
•  Adaptation: I adapted my communication style to match the patient's preferences and provided reassurance throughout the process
•  Patience: I remained patient and calm, understanding that the patient's behavior was a result of their underlying condition
•  Resolution: Through consistent communication, reassurance, and collaboration, the patient gradually became more cooperative and receptive to the procedures
•  Outcome: By the end of the encounter, the patient was able to complete the necessary tests, and their anxiety had significantly reduced

  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

•  Conflict resolution skills: How you handle difficult situations with patients
•  Empathy & patient care: Your ability to provide compassionate care even in challenging situations
•  Communication skills: How effectively you communicate with difficult patients to address their concerns and maintain a positive relationship

  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

•  Lack of empathy: Avoid showing a lack of understanding or empathy towards the patient's situation or concerns
•  Blaming the patient: Avoid blaming the patient for their difficult behavior or challenging attitude
•  Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid not providing any strategies or solutions you used to handle the difficult patient
•  Inability to maintain professionalism: Avoid mentioning any unprofessional behavior or losing your temper during the interaction
•  Poor communication skills: Avoid not mentioning any efforts made to effectively communicate with the patient and address their concerns
•  Inflexibility: Avoid not being open to adapting your approach or finding alternative solutions to handle the difficult patient

 Related

  Other questions asked for the Medical Laboratory Scientist in Medical function. View details for the Medical Laboratory Scientist here

• What steps do you take to ensure quality control in the laboratory?
• How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with colleagues in the laboratory?
• What are the key skills required for a Medical Laboratory Scientist role?
• Tell me about your experience working in a medical laboratory.
• How do you ensure accuracy and precision in your work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
• What laboratory equipment and instruments are you familiar with?
• How do you prioritize your tasks in a fast-paced laboratory environment?
• Tell me about a time when you made a mistake in the lab. How did you handle it?
• What steps do you take to ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols?
• What is your approach to maintaining accurate records and documentation in the lab?
• Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team in a laboratory setting.
• How do you handle stressful situations in the laboratory?
• How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and developments in the field of medical laboratory science?
• Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with laboratory equipment.
• Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex laboratory findings to a non-technical audience.
• Tell me about a time when you had to handle a high volume of samples in a short period of time.
• What steps do you take to ensure proper specimen handling and storage?
• Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an unexpected issue during a laboratory experiment.
• How do you maintain confidentiality and privacy of patient information in the laboratory?