How Should I Respond to an Angry Client?

Dear Assist.Pharmacist and readers,

This is a phenomena we are facing on daily life at our pharmacy counters and also to other counter services. A good article to read.

Question :

Angry clients can be difficult to mollify; do you have any suggestions on how to make the best of such situations?
Response from Bonnie L. Senst, MS, RPh
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Director, Allina Pharmacy Practice, Allina Hospitals and Clinics, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Whether the client is a patient, a nurse, or a physician, some basic principles of communication can help ease an otherwise tense interaction. As the angry person explains his or her problem or need, it is very important to listen attentively. Do not interrupt, or you may escalate his or her anger. The book Crucial Confrontations [1] discusses the need to dissipate the emotion before you can address the content of the argument. The author lists several things that you should not do:

* Don't get hooked. Don't allow yourself to become angry in response.
* Don't try to "one up" the other person. Stay focused on the central problem, and don't introduce your own problems.
* Don't patronize. Telling people to calm down only throws gas on the flames.

Once the client's anger is de-escalating and you get an opportunity to respond, acknowledge the complaint and say that you are sorry. Ask for additional details or suggestions for an acceptable resolution of the problem. Be sure to keep a positive attitude. Show the client that you are intent on solving his or her problem. Describe what steps you will take and follow through on your commitments. Thank the individual, and encourage him or her to let you know if any other issues arise in the future.

Some people believe that saying "I'm sorry" is admitting guilt and therefore have suggested the alternative term "I regret..." Quint Studer, founder of the Studer Group, an outcomes-based healthcare consulting firm, maintains that saying you are sorry does not mean you are admitting a mistake.[2] He suggests using such phrasing as "I am sorry you are disappointed" or "I am sorry that we are not meeting your expectations."

References

1. Patterson K, Grenny J, McMillan R, Switzler A, Covey SR. Crucial Confrontations: Tools for Resolving Broken Promises,Violated Expectations, and Bad Behavior. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005.
2. Studer Q. Conversations with Quint Studer. "I won't say I'm sorry if it's not my fault." ("And by the way, don't script me!") December 9, 2009. Available at: http://quintsblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/i-wont-say-im-sorry-if-its-not-my-fault-and-by-the-way-dont-script-me/ Accessed January 18, 2010