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Module Summary

Dr Chandra Kanneganti shares tips for coping with patients who are violent, aggressive or abusive towards GPs or staff.

Learning Objectives

The article covers:

  • Identifying why the patient is exhibiting this type of behaviour 
  • Subconscious changes in behaviour
  • Customer service training
  • Risk-assessing practice premises

After reading this article you will be asked to record your learning points and some action points to earn a suggested 1 CPD credit. Below are some suggested questions to reflect on as you work through the module:

  • Would you be able to understand why the patient is acting aggressive?
  • Have all frontline staff attended customer service training?
  • Were your premises risk-assessed in order to identify any potential hazards?
  • Does your practice have processes in place for staff and doctors to call for assistance? 
Author

Dr Chandra Kanneganti is a GP in Stoke-on-Trent who undertakes the Violent Patients scheme in Stoke and North Staffordshire practices.

Date module published

May 01, 2017

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