How can you balance advocating for your patient with respecting a physician's expertise?

3 Choose the right time and place

If you have a concern or disagreement with a physician's decision, you need to choose the right time and place to address it. Avoid confronting or criticizing the physician in front of the patient, other staff, or family members, as this may damage the trust and rapport between you and the physician, as well as the patient and the physician. Instead, find a private and quiet place to discuss the issue, preferably when the physician is not busy or distracted. You may also want to schedule a meeting or phone call in advance, if possible, to ensure you have enough time and attention.

4 Use effective communication skills

When you communicate with a physician, it's important to use effective communication skills to express your concern or disagreement in a respectful and professional manner. Use "I" statements instead of "you" statements to avoid blaming or accusing the physician. Open-ended questions can help invite the physician to explain their decision and show your interest and curiosity. Active listening is also key, to demonstrate your respect and understanding of the physician's point of view. Finally, use assertive communication instead of passive or aggressive communication to state your opinion and evidence clearly and confidently, without being submissive or hostile. Doing so will ensure that your communication is effective and professional.

5 Seek a resolution or compromise

The goal of communicating with a physician is not to win an argument or to prove them wrong, but to seek a resolution or compromise that benefits the patient and the care team. If you and the physician agree on the issue, thank them for their time and cooperation, and document the outcome and the plan of action. If you and the physician disagree on the issue, try to find a middle ground or a alternative solution that both of you can accept, or agree to disagree and respect each other's decision. If you and the physician cannot reach a resolution or compromise, you may need to escalate the issue to a higher authority, such as a supervisor, a manager, or an ethics committee, depending on the severity and urgency of the situation.

6 Follow up and evaluate

After you communicate with a physician, you need to follow up and evaluate the impact of the communication on the patient and the care team. You may need to update the patient and their family on the outcome and the plan of action, and ensure they understand and consent to it. You may also need to update other staff members who are involved in the patient's care, and coordinate the tasks and responsibilities accordingly. You may also need to monitor and evaluate the patient's response and progress, and report any changes or concerns to the physician. Finally, you may need to reflect on your own communication skills and performance, and identify any areas for improvement or learning.