How do you handle feedback from patients, both positive and negative?

JUNIOR LEVEL
How do you handle feedback from patients, both positive and negative?
Sample answer to the question:
When it comes to handling feedback from patients, I believe in the power of active listening and empathy. For positive feedback, I express my gratitude and make sure the patient knows how much their kind words mean to me. I also share their positive feedback with the rest of the team to foster a positive work environment. As for negative feedback, I remain calm and listen attentively to the patient's concerns. I apologize for any inconvenience they may have experienced and assure them that their feedback is valuable. I take the opportunity to learn from their feedback and make any necessary improvements in my practice.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my experience, handling feedback from patients requires a careful balance of active listening, empathy, and professionalism. When I receive positive feedback, I express my sincere gratitude and let the patient know how their words motivate me to continue delivering high-quality care. I also make it a point to share the positive feedback with my team to boost morale and foster a positive work environment. On the other hand, when faced with negative feedback, my first priority is to listen attentively without interrupting or becoming defensive. I validate the patient's concerns and apologize for any inconvenience they may have experienced. I assure them that their feedback is valuable and that I will take it into serious consideration. If the situation allows, I proactively offer solutions or steps to rectify any issues. Ultimately, my goal is to learn from the feedback and make continuous improvements in my practice.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing specific examples and mentioning the importance of professionalism. It also emphasizes the goal of continuous improvement in response to negative feedback. However, it could benefit from more details about past experiences and the candidate's specific approach to handling feedback.
An example of a exceptional answer:
Handling feedback from patients is a crucial aspect of providing patient-centered care. In my experience, I have found that actively seeking feedback and creating a safe space for patients to express their opinions is essential. When receiving positive feedback, I not only express my gratitude but also take the opportunity to ask the patient what specifically stood out to them about their experience. This allows me to gain insight into which aspects of my care are most impactful. Additionally, I ensure that the positive feedback reaches the entire healthcare team so that they understand the positive impact they have had on the patient's well-being. When faced with negative feedback, I approach it with curiosity and a willingness to learn. I listen attentively, validate the patient's concerns, and apologize sincerely for any shortcomings. I ask open-ended questions to understand the root cause of their dissatisfaction and explore potential solutions. If appropriate, I involve the patient in the process of finding a resolution and make sure to follow up to ensure their satisfaction. Ultimately, I see feedback, both positive and negative, as an opportunity for growth and continuous improvement in delivering patient-centered care.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by emphasizing the importance of actively seeking feedback and involving patients in the resolution process. It also highlights the candidate's curiosity and willingness to learn from negative feedback. However, it could still be further improved with more specific examples of past experiences and a clear connection to the specific skills and qualities mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past experiences when receiving feedback from patients. Think about both positive and negative feedback and how you handled them.
  • Familiarize yourself with effective communication techniques, such as active listening and empathy.
  • Consider how you can incorporate the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description, such as interpersonal skills and patient-centered care, into your approach for handling feedback.
  • Practice answering hypothetical scenarios related to handling feedback from patients. Pay attention to providing specific examples and showcasing your problem-solving abilities.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Patient-centered care

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