In decades past, when a physician gave medical advice, their patients followed it – no questions asked. Doctors were thought of as all knowing, as there were no other ways to know what a physician knew.
But that has all changed thanks to television talk shows featuring doctors sharing all kinds of specific advice. Plus, portable digital devices such as smartphones and tablets give people access to credible medical information in a matter of seconds. Patients also have access to studies and medical journals, both online and in print.
How has all of this changed the doctor-patient relationship? What was previously considered to be more of a parent-child relationship is now one of collaboration, where both parties engage with each other.
The relationship has changed for the doctor, as well. Physicians don’t just treat symptoms now – they treat the whole person – their life, values and attitudes. It’s become more of a partnership. But it takes work to build that new type of relationship where they both feel comfortable engaging honestly.
Here are 5 ways for patients and doctors to engage and build better relationships:
Have an Agenda – Your doctor has an agenda for your appointment, so you should too. Why else would you be taking time to visit your physician? No matter if it’s about weight loss or cancer, have specific questions ready and any support material that you might have read to support your concerns.
Tell the Facts – Know your medical history, plus the medical history of your parents, grandparents and siblings. Most of our health conditions are related to family history. If you’re experiencing certain medical conditions, it’s probable that you developed them through your family genes.
Be Honest – Clear and honest communication between patients and doctors is fundamental to build solid relationships. Patients expect their doctors to be honest. They want truthful information about conditions and treatments. The good and the bad. Doctors expect the same. When they ask patients about lifestyle choices – eating, drinking, exercise – they need to know the truth. Doctors expect that they’re getting a modified version, but they’re there to help, not judge.
Share – Many people have preconceived ideas about certain illness, even ones such as cancer or mental illness. Even common conditions like epilepsy or diabetes carry a certain stigma to some. What a person believes about an illness has a lot to do with how they will follow their treatment plans. People also have embraced Eastern medicine and alternative treatments to work with their current treatments. Some might interfere with prescribed medication or other treatments, so it’s best to share exactly what you’re thinking and doing about your condition.
Be active – Above all else, patients need to take an active role in their treatment. When a doctor describes a plan of action or prescribes certain medications, the patient needs to fully understand what their role will be. Also, if they don’t agree, they need to express their opinion with the doctor so that a new plan can be developed, if necessary.
No matter if it’s learning about conditions, tests, treatments or how a doctor and patient relate, being actively engaged by both parties is vital to a healthy and productive doctor-patient relationship.
Sources
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496871/
http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/library/developing-a-partnership-with-your-doctor
http://www.wakehealth.edu/Health-Central/NMR/Doctor-and-Patient/
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