Doctor - Patient Relation a Study of Communication

Abstract

The patient-physician relationship is the very heart of health care delivery. The Doctor-patient relationship not only gives patients access to health care but also can promote healing. Having good communication skills is essential for doctors to establish good doctor -patient relationship. Good doctor patient communication was shown to have a positive impact on health outcomes. Improvements in doctors' communication skills were shown to be associated with increases in the emotional distress of patients. Better doctor -patient communication was shown to be associated with better control of chronic diseases. Patient-centred visits are associated with more diagnostic tests and referrals in the subsequent months. Low compliance with prescribed medical interventions is associated with reduced medical costs. The doctors' attitudes towards their patients, their ability to elicit and respect the patients' concerns, the demonstration of empathy and the development of patient trust are the key determinants of good compliance with medical interventions. Effective doctor-patient communication is highly associated with increased patient satisfaction. Doctors' satisfaction with their professional life are associated with greater patient trust and confidence. Communication problems are important factors in medical litigation. Adequate research has been done to evaluate doctor-patient relationship and doctor-patient communications. “Doctor -patient relation: A study of communication” is an interdisciplinary research work in medico social communication.