How to navigate political conversations in your practice

Conversations between doctors, staff and patients are not unusual. In fact, it is typically encouraged. 

Conversations are how doctors and staff collect information on their patients beyond a comprehensive eye examination and intake form. Doctors and staff ask good questions and listen closely to the answers. 

“Much of the conversation focuses on building a case history, soliciting personal data and creating a billing encounter,” says Hilary Hawthorne, O.D. “Many of the responses from patients are stories, so we learn a great deal about their daily lives.  

“Throughout the years, a loyal patient will probably reveal more detailed information and may also start to discuss current events, share gossip, or reveal interpersonal relationships,” Dr. Hawthorne adds. “To perform an eye examination, information gathered about the health and wellness of a patient does not require patients and/or providers to divulge any political affiliation.”

In the run-up to the Nov. 5 election, it’s hard to avoid the sticky subject. So, what are the ground rules for those potentially contentious and distracting conversations? The AOA asked members of its Ethics & Values Committee, such as Dr. Hawthorne. Here is what they advise.

‘Take the high road’

There are things that are OK to discuss, and then there are topics to avoid or deflect. One doctor of optometry once said that when conversations with patients drifted into the political zone, he would say noncommittally: “These are tough choices to make.” 

“In a year with contentious elections, doctors of optometry should be careful in navigating through political conversations,” says Timothy Wingert, O.D., chair of the AOA’s Ethics & Values Committee. “As always, it is best to take the high road and not get pulled into polarizing conversations that may have a negative tone.  

“As a health care professional, it is your duty to educate patients and their family on the importance of public health issues,” Dr. Wingert says. “However, conversations with patients should be limited to eye care and public health. Should patients wade into turbulent political waters, it’s best for doctors and staff to keep their heads above the surface and not let the conversation drag them under, particularly on issues that do not directly affect patient care. To maintain trust and respect with patients, optometrists and their staff should exhibit professional behavior.” 

Keep staff focus on patient care 

Since 1939, her practice has abided by the same policies and practices when it comes to delicate political conversations, says committee member Sue Lowe, O.D.  

“We believe in our community and its participation in the democratic process.” Dr. Lowe says. “But it’s important for an office and practice management to maintain a sensible balance of community engagement and disengagement of political sponsorship. 

“We do not prioritize the political realm over our patient care and professional conduct,” she says. “We want to ensure that our business, property and staff have a primary focus on our expertise. This expertise does not include opinions and beliefs within the political process in our daily practice.” 

Moreover, Dr. Lowe says her practice needs to be a place of inclusion where all are welcome and respected. Debates through the political lens only serve to “distract and disrupt.” 

“Our quality of professional conduct and care will speak profoundly louder than any vocalization of political perspectives,” she adds.  

Flipping the script

Inrava Khasnabish, O.D., agrees that the discourse between doctors, patients and staff should remain on patients, so as not to interfere with the delivery of care. Dr. Khasnabish, like the other doctors on the committee, points out the importance of staff training and even helping them develop the tools to redirect conversations.

Futher, Dr. Khasnabish says, doctors might see a future opportunity, albeit considerably less contentious in their communities. 

“Practices can engage in community outreach by hosting informational sessions that educate patients on eye health and wellness, framing these initiatives as nonpartisan efforts to improve public health,” she says.  

“This approach not only strengthens community ties but also positions the practice as a trusted resource, demonstrating that their primary concern is the well-being of their patients, regardless of political affiliation.”