Termination and transfer of patients in family practice

Once established, each physician-patient relationship faces termination. In this paper attention is given to various effects of that separation on both patient and family physician. Examples are given to show the importance of the management of termination in the ongoing care and health of the individual patient as well as for the emotional well-being of the family physician. This paper places its major focus upon the characteristics and coping behaviors of the patient and the physician. Suggestions are given to help reduce the transfer reaction and stress so that adjustment is more therapeutic.