Patient Doctor Relationship:Changing Paradigm, Challenges and Strategies

The patient doctor relationship is a vital concept in health care. A good relationship increases adherence to treatment recommendations, enhances continuing care and promotes patient satisfaction. It has been researched in terms of communication, interpersonal skill of the doctor, mutual trust, ethics, health literacy. Doctor has always held disproportionate power over patient, particularly in India. Classic paternalism in their behavior is rule rather than exception. The low doctor-population ratio in India puts a tremendous strain on the available medical facilities and restricts the time available for doctors to interact with patients. There are reasons why doctors do not explain in detail to the patient about diagnosis, treatment planned or expected prognosis. Not providing information to patients is a clear violation of their rights. Rights of patient must be complimented with their responsibilities. There is need to formulate patient charter in all health care facilities.