We all have that one patient or loved one that is as stubborn as they come when it pertains to seeking health care. You have heard the spiel on independence and autonomy, the distrust towards health care professionals, and the overall disdain to the treatment process. You have tried to reason with this individual a thousand times. You feel like a broken record, desperate to get them to see things from your perspective. All of these, to no avail. We understand the frustration you face when all you want is to help that individual receive the treatment that they need. So, let’s dissect this topic and talk about the reasons why they may be refusing treatment. Once you figure that out, you can then employ some of our tips and tricks to persuade your loved one or patient to receive/continue treatment.
There are several reasons why an individual will resist health care treatment. Understanding where their reluctance lies is the first step to finding a solution. More often than not, this unwillingness to receive treatment stems from the feeling of fear and nervousness. We have to put things into perspective for ourselves and understand that there is nothing comforting about potentially being told that your condition is worsening, or that you have to take that extra medication. The whole health care process can be intimidating. That’s why it is so important not to invalidate the individual’s feelings. Instead, you must allow them to feel and reassure them that they are not alone in the way they are feeling. Reminding the patient that they have a support system as well as other individuals facing the same struggles can help alleviate some of the anxiety.
It is also important to note as a professional caregiver that refusal to receive treatment could stem from something more deeply rooted, such as a cultural barrier or a bad experience with a health care facility/doctor.
In the instance of a less than pleasurable experience with a health care provider, employing empathy is critical in your approach. If you are their caregiver, make sure that you use compassion and patience. These adverse experiences can be traumatizing, and the patient may need some time to cope. Be gentle and remind them that they are in control of their treatment. If you are a loved one, allow them the autonomy to help in the search for a caregiver. This will give them a feeling of control over their care and can instill some peace of mind. You can also supplement testimonials from other patients just like them, testifying to the caregiver’s character and professionalism.
From a cultural standpoint, health care is a controversial topic. In many backgrounds, homeopathic remedies are just the health care of choice. If your background is similar to mine, then growing up in an Arab household, you would know that there wasn’t any ailment that maramia (loose sage) and 7-Up, couldn’t fix. These traditions and remedies are deeply rooted within each respective culture and could be a tough mindset to break. Trust me, I know. If you are a professional health care provider dealing with this issue, try speaking to the patient’s family members. Younger generations typically tend to be more open-minded and understanding. They could probably convey the message to the patient better than any health professional can. If you are a family member of the patient, patience is your best friend. Focus on explaining the importance of the treatment and don’t be too pushy.
I have identified why my patient or loved one is reluctant. Now what?
Congratulations! Sometimes having the individual open up about why they are so reluctant can be the hardest part of getting them on board with treatment. Pat yourself on the back, and then continue on to reading our tips on how to persuade your patient or loved one to seek or continue treatment.
Focus on the positives: Instead of emphasizing all of the bad things that could occur if a patient or a loved one denies treatment, focus on the positives that could come out of it. If the individual is facing pain of some sort, explain to them that the treatment could help alleviate some of that pain. Capitalize on how the treatment will improve on various aspects of the individual’s life. Give them a visual of what life could be like if they receive the care. “This medicine can help to reduce your joint pain, which means you will be able to play with the kids for longer.” Creating a visual will not only help them to gain perspective on the positive outcomes but also give them comfort in knowing that there could be a solution to their issue.
The approach is everything: Your approach to persuading a loved one or patient to receive treatment is everything. The treatment process is one that can be exhausting and tedious. Empathizing with these feelings helps you to understand better what the individual is going through. When you approach the individual, make sure you are coming from a place that is free of judgment. Focus on how far they have come and how much progress they have made. Sometimes, the patient can feel as though the fact that they have to continue or strengthen treatment can only mean their condition is only worsening. This could be quite a significant factor in the refusal of seeking treatment.
Lead by example: This is what I like to call the “following the leader” technique. We all know that one person that has to see other people doing it in order for them to participate. Sometimes, making your health a priority yourself can encourage someone else to do the same. This also allows you to obtain the credibility for the individual to be more inclined to listen to what you have to say. Whether a caregiver or a loved one, exemplify how you prioritize your health and wellbeing, and more often than not, the patient will want to do the same.
Know when enough is enough: I get how frustrating and upsetting it can be when you’ve tried everything, and the patient just won’t budge. But that right there could be your problem. Being overbearing and too pushy can have the exact opposite effect of what you would like it to. If the patient is adamant in their response, back off for a while and try to revisit the subject at a later time. You do not want to make the issue a sensitive topic that is entirely off-putting to the patient. If the situation permits it, remember that the slow and steady tactic wins the race.
Have any other tips for persuading a patient or loved one to receive/continue treatment? Let us know in the comments below!
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