Do you have a difficult patient in your practice? It can be frustrating and time-consuming to manage them. However, understanding why a difficult encounter may occur can help you better manage the situation. This video explores two historical risk factors that can lead to a difficult encounter between a patient and provider: a history of psychiatric illness and an extensive problem list. It then dives into the “IRS” acronym, which stands for interruptions, repetition, and stereotyped responses. Lastly, the video shows how the “breathe out technique” can help prevent difficult encounters and improve patient interactions. With these tips and strategies, you can work towards a better doctor-patient relationship.