Managing disruptive patients in the perioperative setting: A case-based review

Physician-patient conflict is inevitable in the field of medicine. Difficult patient encounters can contribute to physician burnout and job dissatisfaction, as well as potentially compromise medical judgment and adversely affect patient care. The perioperative area in particular presents unique challenges to both physicians and their patients. This article illustrates how distinct emotional and time pressures characteristic of the perioperative care area can produce a magnification of stress and misunderstanding between the physician and patient. We describe the impact of conflict on the physician and patient and the ethical principles that apply when this occurs. We also guide the reader on how to effectively navigate negatively charged physician-patient interactions, both personally and institutionally.