Dealing with Family Anger in Healthcare

Every healthcare provider knows that delivering good news or saving a patient’s life sometimes results in unwanted anger and negativity from the patient’s family. As a doctor or nurse, you might be surprised at how grateful emotions can quickly turn sour. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and offers advice on how to handle these situations effectively.

Understanding the Anger

One of the common scenarios healthcare professionals encounter is when they save a patient’s life but are met with anger and even abuse from the patient’s family. This anger can stem from a variety of factors, including misunderstanding, stress, or even preconceived notions. In some cases, the family might feel that the healthcare provider was to blame for their loved one's condition, even when the provider did their best to save the patient.

Common Sources of Confusion

One common issue is the misinterpretation of the medical advice or the outcome of treatment. Patients and their families often face immense stress during medical emergencies and might misread the situation, leading to frustration and anger. In some extreme cases, the family might have ulterior motives, such as wanting the patient to die, but expressing anger due to frustration with the healthcare system or the unexpected rescue of the patient.

Experiences in Different Roles

Healthcare professionals in different roles often share similar experiences. A nurse might face anger from the family when delivering good follow-up news, even when there are no negative emotions shown directly towards the nurse. This can create a challenging environment, where the nurse has to navigate the dynamics of the situation without letting the emotions impact the patient's care.

Personal Experience of a Respiratory Therapist

As a respiratory therapist, I had a particularly difficult case involving a newborn on an apnea monitor. While I never saw the baby or the mother, the father was visibly agitated during our visits. Despite clear evidence that the monitor was not being used consistently, the father blamed the monitor, saying it didn’t work and that the baby had died. The reality was that the apnea monitor's download clearly showed weeks of non-use, indicating the father's negligence.

Dealing with Stress and Emotional Liability

Dealing with these situations requires a balanced approach. While it's important not to let these negative emotions interfere with providing the best possible care, it's also crucial to recognize that not all patients and their families will be grateful. It can be disheartening to see the fruits of your labor met with such harsh criticism. However, it's part of the job to stay professional and empathetic.

Building Resilience

To manage these difficult situations effectively, healthcare professionals need to build resilience and understanding. It's important to:

Communicate clearly and calmly with the family Document all interactions and communications thoroughly Seek support from peers and supervisors when needed Recognize and manage personal emotions to avoid burnout

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, while it might seem surprising to some, dealing with family anger in healthcare is a reality that healthcare professionals need to accept and address. By understanding the root causes and learning to manage these situations professionally, we can continue to provide the best care possible and maintain our personal and professional integrity.