Re: John Launer: Nuclear war—it’s time to face up to the risks
Dear Editor
I would like to add another educational role that physicians can perform to reduce the risk of nuclear war. Physicians can teach politicians how to conduct peaceful negotiations between governments with nuclear weapons. Physicians know how to conduct effective medical interviews with difficult patients, such as resistant patients. When approaching a resistant patient, it is important to employ strategies that can help build rapport and foster open communication.
Following are some tips on how to approach a resistant patient (1):
• Stay composed and show empathy towards the patient's emotions and concerns. This can help create a safe and non-judgmental environment.
• Give the patient your full attention and actively listen to their concerns. Reflect back on what they say to demonstrate that you understand and validate their feelings.
• Take the time to address any concerns or misconceptions the patient may have. Provide clear explanations and evidence-based information to help alleviate their resistance.
• Work with the patient to set realistic and achievable goals. Breaking down larger goals into smaller steps can make them more manageable and increase the patient's motivation.
Politicians need education for conducting peaceful negotiations to eliminate possible nuclear risk. This education can be effectively done by physicians who are highly competent in approaching resistant patients.
Competing interests: No competing interests
17 July 2023
Yasuharu Tokuda, MD MPH
Consultant Generalist Physician
Okinawa, Japan
References
1: Jackson JL, Kroenke K. Difficult patient encounters in the ambulatory clinic: clinical predictors and outcomes.
Arch Intern Med. 1999;159:1069-1075.
Rapid Response:
Re: John Launer: Nuclear war—it’s time to face up to the risks
Dear Editor
I would like to add another educational role that physicians can perform to reduce the risk of nuclear war. Physicians can teach politicians how to conduct peaceful negotiations between governments with nuclear weapons. Physicians know how to conduct effective medical interviews with difficult patients, such as resistant patients. When approaching a resistant patient, it is important to employ strategies that can help build rapport and foster open communication.
Following are some tips on how to approach a resistant patient (1):
• Stay composed and show empathy towards the patient's emotions and concerns. This can help create a safe and non-judgmental environment.
• Give the patient your full attention and actively listen to their concerns. Reflect back on what they say to demonstrate that you understand and validate their feelings.
• Take the time to address any concerns or misconceptions the patient may have. Provide clear explanations and evidence-based information to help alleviate their resistance.
• Work with the patient to set realistic and achievable goals. Breaking down larger goals into smaller steps can make them more manageable and increase the patient's motivation.
Politicians need education for conducting peaceful negotiations to eliminate possible nuclear risk. This education can be effectively done by physicians who are highly competent in approaching resistant patients.
Competing interests: No competing interests
17 July 2023
Yasuharu Tokuda, MD MPH
Consultant Generalist Physician
Okinawa, Japan
References
1: Jackson JL, Kroenke K. Difficult patient encounters in the ambulatory clinic: clinical predictors and outcomes.
Arch Intern Med. 1999;159:1069-1075.
Competing interests: No competing interests