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"Doctoring" doctors and their families
1Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA.
JAMA
|December 24, 1998
Summary
Providing medical care to physicians and their families is a professional challenge. This involves managing role reversal, VIP syndrome, and physician anxiety regarding confidentiality and privacy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Practice
- Physician Psychology
- Patient Care
Background:
- Caring for physician patients presents unique challenges.
- Physicians may struggle with role reversal and the 'VIP syndrome'.
- Treating physicians face anxiety over confidentiality, privacy, and empathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complexities of treating physicians and their family members.
- To offer practical suggestions for healthcare providers caring for this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Review of experience with over 200 physician-patients.
- Inclusion of experiences with numerous adult family members of physicians.
Main Results:
- Physician patients may exhibit difficulties with role reversal and 'VIP syndrome'.
- Treating physicians experience anxiety related to privacy, confidentiality, and empathy.
- Physician-relatives may intrude into the care of family members.
Conclusions:
- Effective care requires addressing the psychological and personal factors influencing physician patients.
- Strategies are needed to manage physician anxiety and maintain professional boundaries.
- Guidance is provided for optimizing the medical care of physicians and their families.
Keywords:
Professional Patient Relationship