My ‘difficult’ patient made my heart sink. But what happens when doctors are part of the problem? | Ranjana Srivastava

One in six patients is deemed to be dissatisfied and demanding. But to prevent difficult medical problems from being redefined as difficult patients, doctors need help I once cared for a patient for 10 years, which is a pleasingly long time in oncology. Alas, the years didn’t bond us. I found her, in turns, combative and annoying, and I confess she probably found me the same. Before each encounter, I would take a deep breath and talk myself into greeting her with an ease I never felt. She was...

By Ranjana Srivastava