Understanding Difficult Patients and Challenging Behaviors

This chapter explores the concept of difficult patients, challenges the notion that difficult behavior is solely a result of psychiatric diagnoses, and highlights the impact of COVID-19 on both healthcare providers and patients. It discusses the influence of implicit biases, trauma, personal experiences, and cultural context on emotions and behavior in healthcare settings. The chapter also addresses the perpetuation of inequities within the medical profession and suggests the need to reconceptualize the difficult patient by understanding their perspective and addressing healthcare system shortcomings.