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Role reversal: when doctors become patients
Psychiatria Clinica
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Doctors face unique social behavior challenges when becoming patients. This role reversal highlights difficulties stemming from identity, coping mechanisms, and professional myths.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Physician Psychology
Background:
- Physicians often maintain a professional identity that can complicate their experience as patients.
- Societal beliefs and professional myths surrounding medicine influence how doctors perceive and navigate patient roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the psychological and social mechanisms involved when physicians transition into the patient role.
- To elucidate the inherent difficulties and complex interactions during this doctor-to-patient role reversal.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis based on personal experiences of the authors.
- Accumulation and synthesis of reports from and about medical colleagues in patient roles.
Main Results:
- Doctors experience distinct challenges due to ingrained professional identity and coping behaviors.
- The transition involves complex interactions influenced by role identity, behavioral flexibility, and professional myths.
Conclusions:
- The role reversal for physicians presents significant social and psychological hurdles.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both medical professionals and healthcare systems.