Tell me about a time when you faced resistance or pushback from a patient or their family. How did you handle the situation?

I once faced resistance from a patient's family when they disagreed with the treatment plan I had recommended. It was a challenging situation, but I handled it by calmly listening to their concerns and addressing them with empathy and understanding. I explained the rationale behind the treatment plan and the potential benefits it could have for their loved one. I also offered alternative options and actively involved them in the decision-making process. By providing them with information and involving them in the care plan, I was able to gain their trust and ultimately resolve the resistance.

One memorable instance of facing resistance was when a patient's family strongly disagreed with the therapy plan I had developed. They were concerned about the time commitment and doubted its effectiveness. To address their concerns, I initiated a meeting to discuss the treatment goals and the evidence-based approach I had taken. I made sure to listen actively and empathetically, validating their concerns. I then provided them with detailed explanations of how the therapy would improve their loved one's quality of life and independence. Additionally, I offered alternatives and compromised on certain aspects of the treatment plan to accommodate their needs. By involving the family in the decision-making process, I was able to gain their trust and collaboration, leading to a successful therapy outcome.

The solid answer provides specific details and examples of how the candidate handled the resistance, showcasing their interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration. However, it could still be improved by highlighting leadership/mentoring aspects and demonstrating the candidate's ability to lead and mentor a team.

During my tenure as a senior occupational therapist, I faced resistance from a patient's family regarding the therapy plan. They were concerned about their loved one's progress and expressed frustration with the perceived lack of improvement. To address the resistance, I scheduled a family conference where I invited the entire multidisciplinary team, including therapists, doctors, and nurses, to discuss the patient's condition, treatment, and progress. I facilitated an open and honest conversation, allowing the family to express their concerns while also providing them with a realistic understanding of the patient's condition and expected outcomes. I actively involved the family in goal-setting and encouraged them to participate in therapy sessions. Additionally, I led training sessions for junior therapists on effective communication strategies with families in challenging situations, sharing my experience and lessons learned. This approach not only resolved the resistance but also improved collaboration and communication within the team.

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed and comprehensive example of how the candidate handled resistance from a patient's family, highlighting their leadership/mentoring abilities and their commitment to ongoing professional development. The candidate effectively addressed the resistance by involving the multidisciplinary team, leading a family conference, and providing training to junior therapists. This approach demonstrates the candidate's strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, their ability to lead and mentor a team, and their commitment to ongoing professional development.