How do you handle patients who are resistant or non-compliant with their therapy?


 Theme: Patient Compliance  Role: Physical Therapist  Function: Medical

  Interview Question for Physical Therapist:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Physical Therapist: Help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility This role falls within the Medical function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here

 Sample Answer 


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

  •  Understanding the Patient's Perspective: Empathize with the patient's concerns and fears about therapy. Listen actively and validate their feelings
  •  Building Trust & Rapport: Establish a strong therapeutic alliance by demonstrating empathy, respect, and genuine care. Communicate the benefits and importance of therapy
  •  Educating & Setting Realistic Expectations: Explain the purpose, goals, and potential outcomes of therapy. Provide clear instructions and educate patients about the importance of compliance
  •  Collaborative Goal Setting: Involve patients in setting realistic and achievable therapy goals. Ensure their goals align with their values and motivations
  •  Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailor therapy plans to meet the patient's specific needs, preferences, and abilities. Modify exercises or techniques to make them more engaging and enjoyable
  •  Motivational Techniques: Use motivational interviewing techniques to explore patients' ambivalence and enhance their motivation for therapy. Provide positive reinforcement and celebrate progress
  •  Addressing Barriers & Problem-Solving: Identify and address any barriers to compliance, such as pain, transportation issues, or financial constraints. Collaborate with the patient to find solutions
  •  Monitoring & Adjusting Therapy: Regularly assess the patient's progress and adjust therapy as needed. Communicate openly and transparently about modifications to keep the patient engaged
  •  Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Consult with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care to ensure a holistic approach. Seek their input and collaborate on strategies to improve compliance
  •  Documentation & Communication: Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of patient progress, challenges, and interventions. Communicate effectively with the patient's healthcare team to ensure continuity of care

 Underlying Motivations 


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

  •  Problem-solving skills: Assessing my ability to handle challenging patients and find solutions to improve compliance
  •  Communication skills: Evaluating my approach in effectively communicating with resistant patients and motivating them
  •  Adaptability: Determining my flexibility in adjusting therapy plans to suit individual patient needs and preferences
  •  Patient care: Assessing my commitment to providing quality care and ensuring patient progress despite resistance

 Potential Minefields 


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

  •  Lack of empathy: Showing a lack of understanding or compassion towards resistant or non-compliant patients
  •  Blaming the patient: Putting the blame solely on the patient for their resistance or non-compliance without considering other factors
  •  Lack of problem-solving skills: Inability to provide strategies or solutions to address patient resistance or non-compliance
  •  Lack of communication skills: Ineffective communication with patients, leading to misunderstandings or lack of motivation
  •  Rigid approach: Being inflexible and unwilling to adapt therapy plans to meet the individual needs and preferences of patients
  •  Lack of patience: Displaying impatience or frustration when dealing with resistant or non-compliant patients
  •  Inadequate knowledge: Demonstrating a lack of understanding about the reasons behind patient resistance or non-compliance
  •  Dismissive attitude: Dismissing the concerns or challenges faced by resistant or non-compliant patients
  •  Lack of teamwork: Failing to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to address patient resistance or non-compliance
  •  Inability to motivate: Lacking the ability to inspire and motivate patients to actively participate in their therapy