The Value of the Doctor-Patient Relationship

I’m actually happy to see these post-its. To pick up where we left off last appointment, whether 6 weeks or 6 months ago. I know we are going to make much better progress without starting the story over. And a good therapeutic relationship should be more than just transaction of information – there should be a human connection.

Doctors have always known the value of the doctor-patient relationship, of “continuity of care.” And, it’s worth remembering that physician who became GPs or internal medicine physicians went into that speciality because – shocking – we LIKE people, their story, the relationship.

So this study that is being talked about isn’t really telling doctors (or, hopefully, patients) anything we didn’t already know about patient care — this is a study for the bean counters and the pencil pushers. Essentially – is there a monetary value to that doctor-patient relationship? And the answer is, unsurprisingly, yes. And while €€€ is is hardly the most important thing – maybe it’s the one that will finally drive change.

The take away from this study is that by changing approach to see the same doctor, it may actually actually help reduce burden on health services and waiting times.