Abstract
AbstractThe doctor-patient relationship is an essential determinant of quality of healthcare, especially in elderly care as the older adults are more vulnerable in comparison to other age groups. Patients and doctors engage in a consensual relationship in which the patient seeks health-related assistance, and the service provider agrees to provide the highest standard of care, treatment options and to maintain confidentiality. Sometimes information only known by doctors and not disclosed to family members or relatives illustrates the immense trust placed by patients on doctors. This type of care involves four key elements—mutual knowledge, trust, loyalty and regard which will be discussed using the three basic models of the doctor-relationship including Active–Passive Model, Guidance-Cooperation Model and Mutual Participation Model. The American Nurses Association adopts The Code of Ethics to guide professionals towards treatment of their patients to ensure professional ethics in care and to address ethical issues that are likely to arise involving the elderly. Some of the vulnerabilities found in professional ethics in elderly care are incidences of error, neglect and abuse. The aim of this chapter is to discuss doctor-patient relationship and professional ethics in elderly care, and explore what can be done to achieve the highest level of care.KeywordsDoctor-patient relationshipQuality of careElderly careProfessional ethics
Published Version
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