trending Medical education topic: Anger Management

Anger is a natural response, but it can lead to detrimental outcomes when it runs unchecked in medical environments. Effective communication and teamwork are fundamental to maintaining patient safety and delivering quality care. As such, there’s a growing recognition of the necessity for resources to aid doctors in managing their anger and fostering better communication skills.

Expressing anger openly, particularly regarding patients, is widely regarded as unprofessional and unacceptable in healthcare. Nonetheless, occasional bouts of anger are understandable, especially given the intense stressors healthcare professionals often face. Recent research even indicates that anger can heighten the risk of cardiovascular issues like heart attacks, emphasizing the need for anger management strategies.

According to the American Heart Association, studies indicate a correlation between frequent or intense anger and an elevated risk of heart disease. Previous research has similarly linked negative emotions, including anxiety, sadness, and anger, to heightened risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Given these findings, it’s crucial for healthcare professionals to have access to tools and support systems that enable them to effectively navigate and mitigate anger—whether it’s within themselves, among colleagues, or in interactions with patients. By addressing anger management proactively, healthcare teams can cultivate environments conducive to optimal patient care and provider well-being.

Proposed Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this activity, the learners will be able to:

1. Identify strategies to reduce anger in clinical situations
2. Apply evidence-based nonpharmacological behavioral strategies to manage anger in patients
3. Employ evidence-based pharmacological strategies to manage severe anger and violence in patients in clinical settings

If your medical staff needs an update on anger management strategies, consider contacting our office to book a speaker at 877-505-4777 or info@speakersnetwork.com.

References:

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.123.032698

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/05/01/angers-role-in-heart-attack-risk-may-start-in-the-arteries

https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/anger-among-health-care-professionals