When an outcome feels disappointing, the most constructive first step is direct discussion with the clinician.
Clinicians can explain why an outcome occurred, clarify what was expected, and determine whether recovery is still ongoing or whether further improvement is possible. Many issues that later appear in negative reviews can be resolved or better understood through these conversations.
Research has shown that effective clinician–patient communication reduces complaints and malpractice claims, even when outcomes are not ideal¹. Feeling heard and understood plays a major role in how patients interpret their care.
Public reviews, by contrast, are permanent and often written before full context or explanation is available. Once posted, they can influence other patients unfairly, even when care was appropriate.
This is not about silencing dissatisfaction. It is about choosing the most effective pathway first — one that maximises understanding, resolution, and support.
Open discussion protects patients, supports learning, and frequently improves satisfaction for both parties².
References
- Levinson W, Roter DL, Mullooly JP, et al. Physician–patient communication: the relationship with malpractice claims. JAMA. 1997;277(7):553–559.
- General Medical Council. Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety. GMC; 2019.
Related Topics
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- Why a Poor Outcome Does Not Automatically Mean Negligence
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- Why Poor Outcomes Can Occur Even with Good Medical Care
- The Difference Between Risk, Complication, and Error
- Why Medicine Cannot Be Judged Like Other Services
- Why Most Medical Dissatisfaction Comes from Expectation Mismatch
- Dissatisfaction Is Not the Same as a Poor Outcome
- Why Concerns Are Best Discussed with the Clinician First
- Why Dissatisfaction Can Exist After an Excellent Outcome
- Why Communication Before, During, and After Treatment Matters
- Why Good Doctors Are Also Good Communicators
- Why Good Doctors Understand Their Limits and Say So
- Why Good Doctors Sometimes Decline to Treat
- Why Delegated Communication Must Be Excellent to Work
- Why Poor Communication, Not Poor Care, Often Drives Dissatisfaction
