Preventing and managing difficult patient-physician relationships.

Virtually every physician has had patient encounters that are frustrating and dissatisfying for doctor and patient alike. Rather than label such patients "difficult," it may be more appropriate to call the patient-physician relationship itself difficult. By identifying possible sources of friction in these encounters--the patient care system or environment, illness, patient, or physician--and sharpening your communication skills, you may deflect potential unpleasantness, enhance rapport, and ensure greater patient satisfaction.