How to Handle a Shy or Embarrassed Patient

How to Handle a Shy or Embarrassed Patient It is something every nurse faces at some point--a patient that is embarrassed to the point they are very uncomfortable. There is no way to totally eliminate the embarrassment; however, there are ways to try and put the patient at ease so that they are comfortable receiving the care they need.

Professional Consultation When you need to gather information from a patient that is either embarrassed or very shy, it can be a very uncomfortable situation. Be very professional, and to the point. Ask questions that are direct and to the point, and be sure to keep the patient on the subject at hand, they may want to deviate from the medical situation at hand if it is embarrassing to them. Make sure the consult is in private, and address the issue of a family member being present, the patient may prefer to be alone for the consult.

The more professional you are, the more comfortable the patient will be.

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Bring up Questions and Concerns Some patients may simply be too embarrassed to ask questions pertaining to their condition. Try to cover the medical condition in its entirety, and provide advance answers to questions that may be embarrassing to the patient. Ask the patient if they have any questions or concerns. If the medical condition is of a sexual nature the patient may be apprehensive to discuss it, or to pose any questions. Do what you can, to put the patient at ease, and consider providing literature or reading materials that may cover the condition in detail. Make sure the patient understands they can ask any question and you will not pass judgment.

Using Good Body Language Communication is done more with the body than with words. Avoid an intimidating stance when discussing a condition that the patient is uncomfortable with. Never give the look of surprise, or allow yourself to be uncomfortable taking information from the patient. Don't pass judgment, stick to the facts, and always be professional. The more you speak with the patient, and gain their confidence, the more at ease they will feel.

Working with a Shy Patient Approaching an uncomfortable or Shy patient can actually be excruciating for the patient. Approach them in a friendly manner while still being professional. Limit questions to what pertains to the medical issue at hand.

The less the patient feels put on the spot, the more comfortable they are likely to be. Be patient, it may take them some time to actually bring up concerns and questions. Listen carefully and provide positive responses, such as, “its good you came in”, it may help provide some confidence to the patient. Never talk down to the patient, they already feel uncomfortable, and if they feel as though you think of them in a negative light, or unintelligent, they will only feel worse.

Related: Top 5 Qualities all Leading Nurses should have New Technology Many patients are reluctant to discuss their condition. Despite frequent reminders not to be afraid because “doctors have heard it all and seen it all”, patients still end up telling little white lies in an attempt to make the dreaded conversation slightly less awkward. But what if they were given the choice to talk to a ‘virtual human’ about the problems instead?

Much research has explored the question of how to encourage patients to answer honestly and in more detail during medical interviews, particularly for sensitive or embarrassing issues. Health care professionals are expected to foster honesty by establishing rapport with their patients with various verbal and nonverbal techniques - for example, saying “uh huh” at the right times, performing the occasional head nod, and otherwise giving the impression of sympathy during conversations. Scientific literature also shows two psychological barriers preventing patients from answering medical questions truthfully.

The ultimate goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible so that they will convey their symptoms and concerns. In order for the physician to make an accurate diagnosis, it's important for them to have all pertinent information. A nurse actually wears many hats, so to speak, you care for, provide instructions for, administer medical procedures to, and counsel to the many patients that you see in a day. It may not always be easy, but as a nurse, you do what is necessary for your patient, and that includes making them feel comfortable when discussing embarrassing medical conditions and concerns.

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