You want a healthcare patient to receive the best-possible care. However, there can be times when patients refuse treatment. In these instances, it helps to understand the patient’s perspective. That way, you can work with the patient to ensure their medical needs are met.
Why Patients Refuse Treatment
1. Finances
Healthcare costs can be expensive. Meanwhile, people have concerns about inflation. The rising cost of healthcare and other expenses is making many people rethink how they spend their money. Thus, a patient may be more inclined than ever before to refuse treatment in the hopes of saving money. The patient may do so regardless of the risks to their health and wellbeing, too.
2. Fear
Fear can play a big role in a healthcare decision. Although a medical treatment may appear beneficial, there are risks associated with it. If a patient feels the risks of a treatment outweigh its benefits, this individual may refuse the treatment.
3. Miscommunication
It is paramount for a healthcare professional to educate a patient about a treatment. If a healthcare professional cannot address the patient’s concerns or questions, it can raise doubt. At this point, the patient may struggle to understand the treatment. The patient may also find it difficult to understand how a healthcare professional can handle the treatment with precision and care. Therefore, the patient may refuse treatment.
4. Personal Beliefs and Values
A patient may forgo a medical treatment on account of their personal beliefs and values. The individual may feel strongly about their beliefs and values, no matter how it affects their health and wellbeing.
How to Deal with Patients Who Refuse Treatment
As a healthcare professional, it is your responsibility to support patients in any way possible. If a patient refuses treatment, you should know exactly what to do from here.
Following a patient’s refusal to receive treatment, get more information. Ask the patient why he or she is refusing treatment. This can give you insights into the patient’s perspective. It can help you tailor your counter-argument to the patient.
For patients who express financial concerns, offer financing options whenever possible. Many healthcare providers offer loans in which patients can avoid substantial upfront costs for treatment. Furthermore, you may be able to work with a patient’s insurance provider.
If a patient is fearful about a treatment, educate him or her about it. Explain the treatment in detail, as this may help alleviate their concerns. Also, you may want to find someone who has received the treatment previously. This individual can share their firsthand insights into the treatment with the patient.
Document all of your efforts to get a patient to undergo treatment. If a patient continuously refuses, remain open and accessible. Because, if the patient changes their mind about treatment down the line, you’ll be ready to support him or her at this time.
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