Calm Anxious Patients: Dermatologic Surgery Techniques
- This article from Healio highlights strategies for healthcare providers to de-escalate anxious patients, especially during surgical appointments or procedures.
- Soothing Micro-Phrases: Using specific, empathetic phrases can definitely help patients feel more in control and validated.
- * "Take your time." * "Tell me more." * "How does that sound to you?" * "I know it was frustrating that…" * "Let's see...
Key Takeaways: De-escalating Anxious Patients in Healthcare
This article from Healio highlights strategies for healthcare providers to de-escalate anxious patients, especially during surgical appointments or procedures. Here’s a summary of the key points:
1. Soothing Micro-Phrases: Using specific, empathetic phrases can definitely help patients feel more in control and validated. Examples include:
* “Take your time.”
* “Tell me more.”
* “How does that sound to you?”
* “I know it was frustrating that…”
* “Let’s see what we can do today.”
* “You are in control of your body. If you want us to stop,we will stop.”
* “That’s a good point – let’s build on that.”
* “Despite how hard this is, you’re going to get through it and we thank you for trusting us with that.”
* “What would make this easier for you?”
* “Let’s figure this out together.”
2. Micro-Actions for Provider Calm: Providers can employ techniques to manage their own emotions and create a calming habitat:
* Pausing before entering a room.
* Taking deep breaths for self-relaxation.
* Using the tongue-to-roof-of-mouth technique for self-distraction.
* validating and praising the care team (avoiding labeling the patient as “challenging”).
* Practicing self-awareness (“name-it-to-tame-it”).
* Maintaining open body language (45-degree angle, visible hands).
* Setting boundaries when necessary.
3. Core Principles:
* Calmness is Key: The more escalated the patient,the more the provider must remain calm and positive.
* Non-Judgmental Approach: Use non-judgmental language and tone.
* Sympathy is Vital: Patients need to feel cared for before they can process information. They will remember how you made them feel more than the details of the conversation.
* Anxiety as a Barrier: Recognizing anxiety as a barrier to care is crucial.
Source: Vidal NY. The anxious patient in dermatologic surgery: Art of de-escalation. Presented at: American Society for Dermatologic Surgery annual meeting; nov. 13-16, 2025; Chicago.