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Impersonal medical care. Role of the pathologist in its evolution
Abstract:
An evaluation of the change in the former close relationship between the patient and his physician, and the contribution of the pathologist to its development, is presented. The effect of these changes on the interest in and care of the patient by all in the hospital in this changing medical scene is decried; the patient loses much. The problem of impersonal care now involves all hospital care and all fields of medicine. The decline of interest in the autopsy and the formalization of this denigration of the autopsy by the Accreditation Commission has done harm to pathology and the care of the patient; the autopsy is still an important quality control of such care. Further, this change in the medical scene has promoted the development of the employee status of the doctor, with its further loss of independence, individual interest, and personalized care by all in the hospital, even the physician, and inevitably has led to his loss of the protection of due process. Seven recommendations are offered to recapture the old one-to-one doctor-patient arrangement, to yield a combination of tender loving and scientific care for the patient. An active effort must be made to reverse the influence of some of the forces working to the disadvantage of doctor and patient in the changing medical scene.
Insights
The traditional doctor-patient relationship has eroded, leading to impersonal hospital care and a decline in autopsy use. Recommendations aim to restore personalized care and physician independence for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical ethics
- Healthcare systems analysis
- Pathology
Background:
- The historical physician-patient relationship has significantly changed.
- The role of pathologists and autopsy in patient care has diminished.
- The medical field is experiencing increasing impersonality in care delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the transformation of the doctor-patient relationship.
- To assess the impact of these changes on patient care quality.
- To propose solutions for restoring personalized medical attention.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of changes in medical practice.
- Review of the role of pathology and autopsies.
- Examination of physician employment status and its effects.
Main Results:
- The decline in the doctor-patient relationship has led to impersonal care across all medical fields.
- Reduced interest in autopsies, partly due to accreditation policies, has harmed patient care quality control.
- Physician employee status has diminished independence and personalized care, impacting due process protections.
Conclusions:
- Restoring the one-to-one doctor-patient arrangement is crucial.
- Recommendations focus on combining compassionate and scientific care.
- Active efforts are needed to counteract forces negatively impacting doctors and patients.