Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Whole-person care in general practice: The doctor-patient relationship
Hayley Thomas1, Megan Best2, Geoffrey Mitchell3
1BSc, MBBS, FRACGP, Advanced Academic Registrar, Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Qld.
Background And Objectives:
Whole-person care (WPC) is a defining feature of general practice, but it may not be consistently implemented. These authors conducted a qualitative study to define WPC and determine factors that influence its provision. Part one of this series suggested a model of WPC. Its foundation is the doctor-patient relationship; this article reports the findings concerning this theme.
Method:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Australian GPs or general practice registrars and analysed using grounded theory methodology.
Results:
GPs viewed the doctor-patient relationship as foundational to WPC, facilitating knowledge of the patient, trust and management. Participants' descriptions of the doctor-patient relationship were multidimensional, encompassing interacting professional, personal and business-transactional dimensions.
Discussion:
The results suggest that a multidimensional doctor-patient relationship underpins WPC. It is not adequately described by a consumerist/contractual model; future work could further elucidate its nature. This relationship must be valued to provide quality WPC.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Patient-centered Care
Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Methods of Documentation II: POMR
Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...

