Doctor-Patient Relationship
The Doctor-Patient relationship is where bonding is planned with the final goal of assisting the patient to reach treatment goals. It requires the care provider(doctor) to take the charge of directing, effecting and maintaining the therapeutic relationship along with professional and ethical approach.
Types of Doctor-Patient Relationship
TYPES | PHYSICIAN CONTROL(LOW) | PHYSICIAN CONTROL(HIGH) |
PATIENT CONTROL(LOW) | Default | Paternalism |
PATIENT CONTROL(HIGH) | Consumerism | Mutuality |
Default
When both the parties (doctor and patient) expectations are in odds or need for change in the relationship can not be negotiated. The relationship becomes dysfunctional standstill.
Paternalism
It is the traditional relationship form of the doctor-patient relationship, In this Patient is passive and the doctor is dominant.
Mutuality
Optimal relationship mode, both the parties bring strengths and resources to the relationship. This kind is based upon the communication between the health professional and the patient.
Consumerism
Patient taking an active role and the physician adopting a passive role which makes this relationship a reverse of the very basic nature of power relationship.
Health Literacy
The Patient’s ability to obtain, process, and understand basic information needed to make appropriate health-related decisions. In case, of low health literacy success of treatment reduces to a great extent.
Consent
When two or more individuals agree upon the same thing, in the same manner, is referred to as consent (Section 13 of the Indian Contract Act 1872). Consent can be given by the people who are conscious, mentally sound and twelve or more than twelve years of age.
Barriers in communication
DOCTOR’S BARRIER | PATIENT’S BARRIER |
Lack of specific knowledge | Sex |
Lack of skills | Social and Educational level |
Lack of resources | Language Barrier |
Lack of time | Membership of an ethnic minority |
Improving Doctor-Patient Relationship
The Doctor-patient relationship can be improved and enhanced by the following:-
1. Active listening by both the parties
2. Empathy by the doctor
3. Educating the Patient Actively
4. Reassurance to the Patient
5. Agreement on the treatment plan by patient
6. Avoid overreactions by both.
7. Establishing Boundaries.
