Changing How We Think about Difficult Patients: A Guide for Physicians and Healthcare Professionals

Difficult” patients will always be part of the healthcare interaction, but sometimes doctors are just as much a part of the problem. Joan Naidorf has created a critical tool for physicians, nurses, and all healthcare professionals as they navigate the challenging waters of patient care.

Early in our training, we learn about the concept of “transference,” where we project our own frustrations onto patients. But this is not a sustainable career-long approach. We are proud when we start a career in medicine, but that is only the beginning. The daily grind becomes an impossible task when we are continually exasperated by our perception of demanding and unappreciative patients. Dr. Naidorf highlights these frustrations and explains how we got there . . . then leads us on a path explaining what to do about it! The approaches recommended in this book are essential not only so we can be successful at providing excellent care to our patients, but also so we have the tools to be successful in completing a career in medicine.

Dr. Joan Naidorf has nailed it. She thinks she has written just a primer about dealing with difficult patients, but she’s done much more than that. She has created a path for future physicians to peer inside the complex emotions involving the doctor– patient relationships while at the same time helping those of us facing burnout, in the aftermath of a global pandemic, recapture some of what we have lost. It took me only a couple of chapters to find that I started to change the way I viewed some of my own day-to-day interactions. I’m a better doctor for having read this. Changing How We Think About Difficult Patients is the one book that needs to be a part of every medical school curriculum.

A concise, impactful guide that will improve any healthcare worker’s experience of caring for patients. This book should be required reading for all medical trainees.

Dr. Joan Naidorf’s illuminating new book blends a pertinent review of existing knowledge and informed opinions with the author’s 30 years of practical experience in the ED. It is a volume that is long-overdue — not just for physicians, but for nurses, PAs and the diverse array of modern medical professionals who must deal with difficult patients and situations every day. The book suggests to the reader a way out of the self-springing trap that allows these “difficult” patients’ ingrained and often-practiced unhappiness to rob practitioners of the inherent joy and satisfaction of being a professional healer. It should be required reading for hospital CEOs and CMOs as well. This highly engaging book is Recommended Reading for anyone who treats patients in any capacity.

As an author and speaker on the topic of compassionate communication in medicine, I understand how essential effective communication and trusting relationships are to good clinical outcomes. This can be especially challenging when treating a difficult patient. Dr. Joan Naidorf has written a clear and concise explanation of why patients can become difficult and how our own emotions and bias can further create barriers to good healthcare. Dr. Naidorf provides practical advice that can be utilized immediately. Changing How We Think About Difficult Patients is an essential read for any healthcare professional. A book about this topic has long been overdue.

As a pediatric emergency medicine physician for the past 20 years, not only have I dealt with difficult patients (the ones that can actually speak) but also their parents/guardians and extended families. Dr. Joan Naidorf’s book Changing How We Think About Difficult Patients describes these interactions from the perspective of physician and patient, and offers solutions on how to improve this relationship. My favorite chapter is “How We React,” which validates the emotions associated with these difficult interactions and suggests that we always do what is right for our patients. I am certain that I am a better physician because of the knowledge attained from this book, and look forward to suggesting this book to my colleagues in the emergency department, residents, and medical students.

I have never seen this topic presented in such detail, and including actionable approaches! This challenge of the difficult patient is faced by every physician. Thank goodness someone with Dr. Naidorf’s years of experience has tackled this critical issue. Her perspective will benefit physicians at all levels. Well worth the quick read!