Describe how you would handle each of these situations as a Patient Care Coordinator.
1) A patient in the waiting room is complaining that he has been waiting for two hours without anyone having seen him yet, and he states “I am fed up with this office. They keep me waiting for hours every time I come here. I’m going to find another doctor.” What’s your best approach?
2) A patient has just received a diagnosis of HIV and is crying in your office. What do you do and say?
3) The doctor would like to see 6 patients per hour, so that’s how the patients are scheduled. But in reality, he is only able to get through an average of 4 patients each hour. Why is this a problem? And what are some possible solutions?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: As a Patient Care Coordinator, it is important to handle situations with empathy and professionalism. You must understand the patient’s perspective and provide the best solution to their problem.
1) If a patient in the waiting room is complaining that he has been waiting for two hours without anyone having seen him yet, it is important to address the situation immediately. Firstly, the coordinator can apologize to the patient for the delay in their appointment and explain the reason behind the delay. The coordinator can then check with the receptionist or the doctor to get an estimate of the wait time and convey the same to the patient. The coordinator can offer the patient a comfortable waiting area or reschedule the appointment according to the patient’s convenience. Following up with an apology note can also help in building goodwill.
2) When a patient has just received a diagnosis of HIV and is crying in your office, comforting them in a caring and supportive manner is vital. The coordinator should provide the patient with a tissue to wipe their tears and offer them a glass of water or any other necessary help. It is better to maintain confidentiality while discussing the diagnosis with the patient. The coordinator can educate them about HIV, the treatment options available, and the support groups accessible to them. It is crucial to be empathetic and provide emotional support to the patient during this stressful time.
3) Scheduling 6 patients per hour but only being able to attend 4 patients is problematic as it leads to longer wait times for patients, creating dissatisfaction and giving the impression that the clinic is not organized. Possible solutions can be to analyze and adjust the scheduling time slots, considering the different requirements of each patient, and implementing an advanced appointment booking system to provide patients with more flexible options. Another option could be to hire more staff or train existing ones to assist the doctor in the non-medical parts of the appointment. Overall, the goal should be to provide the best care possible and create a comfortable experience for patients.
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