Abstract
Whole-person care (WPC) is a defining feature of general practice, but it may notbe consistently implemented. These authors conducted a qualitative study to define WPC and determine factors that influence its provision. Part one of this series suggested a model of WPC. Its foundation is the doctor-patient relationship; this article reports the findings concerning this theme. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Australian GPs or general practice registrars and analysed using grounded theory methodology. GPs viewed the doctor-patient relationship as foundational to WPC, facilitating knowledge of the patient, trustand management. Participants' descriptions of the doctor-patient relationship were multidimensional, encompassing interacting professional, personal and business-transactional dimensions. The results suggest that a multidimensional doctor-patient relationship underpins WPC. It is not adequately described by a consumerist/contractual model; future work could further elucidate its nature. This relationship must be valued to provide quality WPC.
Highlights
Background and objectiveWhole-person care (WPC) is a defining feature of general practice, but it may not be consistently implemented
The results suggest that a multidimensional doctor–patient relationship underpins WPC
A previous systematic review conducted by the authors of the current study identified the features of WPC in general practice literature.[4]
Summary
Nineteen GPs and one general practice registrar were interviewed. Participant demographics are reported in part one of the series.[5]. The effect of the doctor–patient relationship Facilitates doctors’ knowledge of the patient Participants indicated that the doctor– patient relationship enabled them to know the patient as a person. GPs identified that building a doctor–patient relationship facilitates patients’ trust in the doctor. Another described a responsibility to ‘bury [their] own feelings’ (GP03) toward patients with whom they had difficulty connecting for personal or moral reasons, in order to develop a doctor–patient relationship that facilitated care. GPs believed that patients were more likely to return when there was a trusting relationship, facilitating the longitudinal aspect of WPC
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