Impact of Negative Healthcare Experiences
Many people with disabilities and sensory sensitivities have experienced:
- Not being listened to
- Pain or distress being dismissed
- Professionals talking to others instead of them
- Lack of adjustments
What Happens Next?
After repeated negative experiences, people may:
- Avoid appointments
- Delay seeking help
- Only attend in emergencies
- Lose trust in professionals
Important:
Some people may not return to healthcare at all
Long-Term Impact
Avoidance of care can lead to:
- Worsening physical health (e.g., dental problems, untreated conditions)
- Increased anxiety and fear
- More complex treatment later
- Emergency interventions that could have been prevented
Real-World Insight
As you highlighted from your own experience:
- Negative care in dentistry and hospitals can have long-lasting effects
- Trust, once broken, can take years to rebuild—or may never fully return
Professional Responsibility
Every interaction matters.
Professionals should understand:
- They may be seeing the person for the first time
- But the person may be carrying years of past experiences
Good Practice to Rebuild Trust
-
Acknowledge past experiences:
- “Have you had any difficult experiences before?”
- Listen without judgment
- Go at the person’s pace
- Offer control and choice
- Build trust gradually over time
Core Message
“One negative experience can stop someone seeking care for years.”
2. EASY READ VERSION
Bad Experiences Can Stop People Coming Back
Some people have had:
- Bad care
- Pain
- Not being listened to
What Happens
- They may stop going to appointments
- They may feel scared
- They may not trust healthcare staff
This Can Last a Long Time
- Months
- Years
- Or forever
Why This Matters
- Health problems can get worse
- People may only go in emergencies
What Helps
- Listen to me
- Be kind
- Go slowly
- Help me feel safe
3. POWERPOINT SLIDES (ADDED SECTION)
Slide – Negative Experiences
- Many patients have had poor care
- Not listened to
- Felt dismissed
Slide – Impact
- Avoid appointments
- Lose trust
- Delay care
Slide – Long-Term Effects
- Worse health
- Emergency treatment
- Increased anxiety
Slide – Key Message
“One bad experience can stop someone returning for years”
Slide – Rebuilding Trust
- Ask about past experiences
- Listen
- Go slowly
- Offer control
4. PRINTABLE POSTER (UPDATED)
BAD EXPERIENCES STAY WITH PEOPLE
✔ People remember poor care
✔ It can stop them coming back
✔ Trust can take years to rebuild
HELP BY:
✔ Listening
✔ Being patient
✔ Giving control
✔ Creating a safe experience
REMEMBER:
Every appointment matters
5. TRAINING CHECKLIST (ADDED SECTION)
Patient History & Trust:
☐ Ask about past experiences
☐ Be aware of possible trauma
☐ Do not rush
During Care:
☐ Build trust
☐ Offer reassurance
☐ Respect concerns
After:
☐ Encourage return visits
☐ End on a positive experience
6. ROLE-PLAY ADDITION
Scenario:
Patient has not attended appointments for several years.
Background:
Previous bad experience in healthcare.
Poor Practice:
- “You should have come sooner”
- Dismisses fear
- Rushes treatment
Good Practice:
- Acknowledges fear
- Asks about past experiences
- Moves at patient’s pace
- Focuses on rebuilding trust
Reflection Questions:
- How does past experience affect behaviour?
- What could rebuild trust?
- What should be avoided?
7. STRONG TRAINING STATEMENTS (ADDED)
“People don’t avoid care for no reason—there is usually a story behind it.”
“Avoidance is often a response to past harm, not lack of responsibility.”
“Trust takes time to build, but can be broken in one appointment.”
“Every professional has the power to rebuild—or damage—trust.”
T
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