How would you handle a situation where a patient is not honest about their dietary habits

How would you handle a situation where a patient is not honest about their dietary habits?

How to Answer

The interviewer wants to know how you handle situations when patients are not completely honest about their dietary habits. It’s important to demonstrate your ability to remain professional and supportive, regardless of the situation. Discuss how you would encourage honesty through open and non-judgmental conversation, and explain that the more accurate information you have, the better you can help them. You could also mention any strategies you might use to uncover the truth, such as food diary reviews or motivational interviewing techniques.

Sample Answer

If I suspect a patient isn’t being truthful about their dietary habits, I would first ensure that I’m providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to discuss their eating habits. It’s important to understand that there could be various reasons why a patient might not be completely honest, including shame or fear of judgement. I would use strategies such as reviewing food diaries or using motivational interviewing techniques to better understand their habits. I would also remind them that the more accurate information I have, the better I can help them achieve their health goals.