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When talking to the patient is difficult: the physician's perspective
Elena Vegni1, Sonia Visioli, Egidio A Moja
1Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy. elena.vegni@unimi.it
Communication & Medicine
|July 1, 2006
Summary
Doctor-patient relationships are complex, with difficulties arising from personal, professional, and family-related factors. Understanding these dynamics is key to improving healthcare interactions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Psychology
- Healthcare Communication
Background:
- The doctor-patient relationship is fundamental to healthcare delivery.
- Understanding the complexities and challenges within this relationship is crucial for effective medical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the difficult doctor-patient relationship from the physician's viewpoint.
- To identify the various scenarios and sources of conflict in doctor-patient interactions.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative-interpretative approach.
- Analysis of written narratives describing difficult doctor visits.
Main Results:
- Three main scenarios of difficulty were identified: personal (intra-psychic), professional (inter-psychic), and family-influenced (inter-personal).
- Difficulties can stem from the doctor's internal conflicts as both a professional and a human.
- Interactions can become adversarial or experimental, particularly when families are involved.
Conclusions:
- Doctor-patient relationships are multifaceted, involving individual psychological states and interpersonal dynamics.
- Family involvement significantly complicates the doctor-patient dynamic.
- Addressing these complex factors is essential for enhancing the therapeutic alliance.