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Communication in the physician-patient relationship
1Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
Bulletin of the Medical Library Association
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Twentieth-century changes transformed the physician-patient relationship, shifting focus to patient-centered care. Medical librarians are vital in facilitating communication and information access for health consumers.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Medical Informatics
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Twentieth-century societal shifts profoundly impacted American healthcare and physician-patient communication.
- Healthcare evolved from a paternalistic, physician-oriented model to a patient-centered approach.
- Patients now act as both consumers and active participants in medical decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze the evolution of the physician-patient relationship and communication dynamics.
- Project the future roles of medical librarians in healthcare information dissemination.
- Identify challenges and opportunities for librarians in bridging communication gaps.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical trends in healthcare and patient engagement.
- Review of the changing demands of health consumers for information.
- Examination of the role of medical librarians in information access.
Main Results:
- Patient demand for information has expanded beyond clinical aspects to include cost, quality, and access.
- The shift to patient-centered care necessitates new communication strategies.
- Medical librarians are positioned to play a leadership role in facilitating information flow.
Conclusions:
- Medical librarians are essential in disseminating health information and improving communication.
- Librarians must adapt to new roles, embracing leadership in information access.
- Future healthcare communication requires proactive engagement from medical librarians.