Risk Management Guide: Patient Complaints and Demands

Past claims show us that angry patients are more likely to file a malpractice suit. Than patients who are happy with the care they are receiving. Their anger can stem from a variety of factors – communication breakdowns to an adverse, billing issues, delayed response to phone call/mail or an unexpected outcome etc. If a patient has a perception of lack of care, concern, or respect, from the clinician or staff, the risk of a complaint or demand increases. Fostering a healthy patient relationship is the cornerstone to building trust and ultimately minimizing patient complaints. Clinicians can also create appropriate treatment when patients provide more information, and patients who are educated about their care tend to adhere to their…