Physician-Patient

The relationship between physician and patient plays a very important role in the practice of medicine and is essential for the provision of high quality medical care in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The relationship between physician and patient is one of the foundations of contemporary medical ethics. Most medical schools teach their students from the beginning, even before they begin to receive practical healthcare instruction, to maintain a professional relationship with their patients, observing their dignity and respecting their privacy.

The patient should have confidence as to the competence of his physician and should feel that confidences can be made to him. For most physicians, it is important to establish good contact with the patient. There are some medical specialties such as psychiatry and family medicine, in which more emphasis is placed on the doctor-patient relationship than in others such as pathological anatomy or radiology.

• It strengthens the patient's confidence.

All relationships should be based on trust. That's why you have to generate security by maintaining clear and sincere conversations. Make sure of what the patient expects and what you can accomplish with your services and professional experience. And show respect and professionalism at all times. Being direct and honest will prevent anyone from creating false expectations. Thus, at the end of treatment you will have a patient satisfied with the service you have provided.

• Make your patients loyal.

Design special promotions for your habitual patients, that will make them feel better attended and will increase exponentially the possibilities of recommending the services you offer. Keep them informed of the latest news about the clinic, the new services you incorporate, the informative talks you organize, etc.

• Provides excellent patient care.

You should avoid negative evaluations as much as possible. For this, it is necessary that you establish visual contact with the patient and that you attend to their doubts and concerns in a timely manner. Remember that they have the right to know exactly what is happening with their case and it is your duty to ensure that they understand the entire process you will carry out to improve or restore their oral health.

The quality of the doctor-patient relationship is important to both parties. The better the relationship in terms of mutual respect, knowledge, trust, shared values and perspectives on disease and life, and the time available, the better the quantity and quality of information about the patient's disease will be exchanged in both directions, improving the accuracy of the diagnosis and increasing the patient's knowledge about the disease or condition. In circumstances where the relationship is poor, the physician's ability to perform a complete evaluation of the patient is compromised and the patient is more likely to be suspicious of the diagnosis and proposed treatment, diminishing the chances of complying with medical advice. In these circumstances, and where there is a genuine difference in medical opinion, a second opinion may be obtained from another doctor or the patient may decide directly to change doctors.