A BRIEF ANALYSIS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DOCTOR-PATIENT

cooperation

The relationship between patient and doctor has been analyzed since the early 1900's. Prior to when medicine was more science than art, physicians worked to refine their bedside manner, as cures were often impossible and treatment had limited effect. It is the opinion of some people that the differential in power between the patient and doctor is necessary to the steady course of medical care. The patient seeks information and technical assistance, and the doctor formulates decisions which the patient must accept. Though this seems appropriate in medical emergencies, this model, known as the activity-passivity model, has lost popularity in the treatment of chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Some rheumatologists may feel that the optimal doctor-patient relationship model is somewhere between guidance-cooperation and mutual participation. In reality, the nature of the doctor-patient relationship likely changes over time. Early on, at the time of diagnosis, education and guidance are useful in learning to manage the disease. The importance of patient engagement and a strong doctor-patient relationship has recently become a growing topic among healthcare providers. As research on the subject has begun indicating that there may be better outcomes when a patient is actively involved in their healthcare, it has also prompted a controversial discussion on the matter as well. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that patients who are more actively involved in their healthcare experience better health outcomes and incur lower costs. As a result, many public and private healthcare organizations are employing strategies to better engage patients, such as educating them about their conditions and involving them more fully in making decisions about their care. The doctor-patient relationship is a personal interaction that transcends ethnic, socio-cultural and economic differences and generates trust and responsibility. It is based on the trust and understanding that the doctor puts the needs of patient first. For a sound DPR, doctors should not only be well equipped with bio-medical aspects of patient care but understand psychological, social, cultural dimensions of health and illness.

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