Doctor-patient relationship

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The doctor-patient relationship is sacrosanct in modern medicine and forms the foundation of contemporary medical ethics. Universities teach medical students from the beginning, even before they set foot in hospitals, to maintain a professional rapport with patients, uphold patients’ dignity, and respect their privacy.

The relationship is beyond the concept of physician-patient privilege which is a legal covenant. Rather, the clinician and patient are in a partnership and both parties can openly discuss choices and ask questions in a trusting manner. This ideology stems from trying to maintain the most objective outlook by both parties – patient and clinician – in formulating and exercising optimal treatment plans. In fact, many health care professionals and patients claim that this trust and relationship are therapeutic in their own right. Unfortunately, we are increasingly seeing these boundaries crossed, which can compromise patient care and potentially lead to fatal consequences.^[1]

With increasing access to the Internet and published online medical articles, the WWW has contributed to expanding patient knowledge of their own health, conditions, and treatment options. However, doctors are fearful of misleading information and being inundated by electronic communications for which they are not paid.^[2]

[edit] References

1. ^ Lakhan, S. Anna Nicole and Sandeep Kapoor, MD – A Doctor-Patient Relationship Gone Foul? GNIF Brain Blogger. March, 2007.
2. ^ ECRI. Special Article: Internet Influence on Doctor/Patient Relationship. Health Technology Trends. June, 2006.