Table 4.

Reasons for Perceiving the Encounter As Difficult: (N = 101)*

Physician CharacteristicReason Given by PhysicianFrequency of Mentions
Professional identityI am unable to make better41
Conflicts with my professional standards21
Personal qualitiesFeel taken advantage of21
Difficulty making relationship with patient21
Time managementTakes too much time24
Comfort with patient autonomyPatient sets the agenda6
Confidence in skillsToo hard to solve6
Trust in patientLose trust in patient5
  • * Participants could mention more than one reason.