Here are three steps physicians can take to protect themselves from violent patient encounters based on advice from family physician and reserve deputy sheriff Kenneth Cheng, DO, per a June 12 report from Medscape.
1. Do not turn your back on patients that might try and take advantage of the situation. Back out of the exam room; do not turn your face away from a potentially violent patient.
2. Always read a patient’s body language for signs of tension and agitation, including clenched fists, tense postures, tight jaws or fidgeting.
3. Do not stand too close to a potentially violent patient, as it can seem confrontational. Do not block the door if a patient seems agitated. If a patient informs you they are licensed to carry a firearm, do not ask them to leave it in a separate location.
