THE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP: EXPLORING THE PERSPECTIVES AMONG RESIDENT DOCTORS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Doctor patient relationship is important in that it facilitates better care and improves compliance of patients to treatment. In the current medical world there is strain on the doctor patient relationship as evidenced by increased litigation rates. Patients have also grown increasingly demanding of their doctors. Studies assessing the knowledge of doctors on doctor patient relationship and patient centeredness are required thus the aim of the current study. Material And Methods: Resident doctors working in clinical departments of AIIMS Rishikesh are given a validated selfadministered questionnaire, structured in three sections. The First section contains a paired statement representing views on the doctor-patient relationship. . The second section have questions regarding the various ways how resident doctors have learned to develop relationships with patients. The third section will explore the resident's knowledge on patient centered consultations. Results: Out of the total 230 resident doctors in various clinical departments, 116 residents participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 29.2, with 28 % being Females and mean years of practice post MBBS of 3.2 years. The participants in the study are of opinion that patient has nal say in deciding between treatment options and they always take time to explore patient ideas. Majority of the participants learned to develop relationship of patients by their own experience or by observing the practice of seniors.32% of the participants are unaware of the concept of patient centeredness and only 12 % of individuals know all aspects of patient centeredness. Conclusions: Knowledge on patient centeredness and communication skills required to maintain a good doctor patient relationship is inadequate among residents. This study emphasizes the need for undergraduate training in communication skills by didactic lectures and practice exercises using standardized patients.