Five Skills To Build A Strong Doctor-Patient Relationship - Dr Swapnil M Khadake

A doctor-patient relationship is the core element of a patient’s healing journey; thus, a strong relationship is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. Patients need to feel safe and cared for by their doctors, and doctors time should be valued by patients. The first step in an effective diagnosis and treatment is the establishment of a strong & ethical doctor-patient relationship.

An ideal doctor-patient relationship should abide by the following principles:

1. Empathy: Doctors must have an understanding of how their patients feel. For this, the physician needs to establish a psychological relationship with their patient. Doctors should always remember that their patients count on them to have answers to their questions; and even if it is not wise to diagnose without carrying out proper tests first, doctors should put their patient's mind at ease and empathize with any pain or discomfort they might be experiencing.

2. Communication: Clear, honest, and compassionate communication is the ethical responsibility of every doctor. Communicating clearly reduces the chance of medical misconduct and increases patient compliance.

3. Active Listening: Doctors have to be excellent listeners, even when pressed for time. Paying full attention to the patient without interruption will help doctors earn patients trust and ensure better treatment compliance.

4. Trustworthiness: Doctors and patients have to establish a relationship built on mutual trust. When patients confide in doctors about their ailments, their pain must not be minimized. In the same vein, when doctors suggest remedies, patients should trust in their expertise. Trust has to be built through reliability and confidentiality.

5. Non-Judgmental Attitude: Doctors must strive to provide unbiased care, regardless of the patient’s background or circumstances. Offering care without judgement is sacred for the medical profession.

Medical conditions can be stressful and overwhelming; when the human body is in pain and discomfort, it can impair judgement. Patients seek doctors not just for their trusted medical opinion and effective diagnosis, but also for psychological support & therefore effective bedside conduct is valuable. It can help them build a strong and lasting relationship with the patients in their care, and help them make a speedy recovery.