Well this is not news to anyone who works in health care or studies health care, but The New York Times published an article and accompanying blog today about the rocky, and in some cases deteriorating, relationship between physicians and patients.
There are many causes to blame for the deteriorating relationship and everything from the proliferation of health information on the Internet to declining reimbursements to short visit times get blamed.
I believe an effective physician-patient relationship is ultimately founded on effective communication based on mutual trust and respect. This requires open and honest communication in an environment where both parties feel safe. Of course, this is easier said than done in the current health care environment in this country. But it begins with taking a deep breath and trying not to enter the interaction with hostility, no matter how short the time you get with the doctor.
You can find the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/health/29well.html?ex=1375070400&en=49ba4622b20ecda8&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink and the blog and discussion here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/doctors-and-patients-a-rocky-relationship/.
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