The rapid pace of medical progress is undermining the traditional doctor-patient relationship. The aim of this article was to (a) Investigate the determinants of core dimensions such as congruence, trust and possibility of the doctor-patient relationship; (b) explore possible links between these core dimensions. A cross-sectional study design was used, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. One hundred and ninety-eight patients were interviewed as part of the quantitative study. Using validated tools, three dimensions of the doctor-patient relationship were assessed, i.e. doctor-patient compatibility, trust in the doctor and ability to engage the patient. As part of the qualitative study, group interviews were conducted among several doctors. In the quantitative analysis, most of the socio-cultural factors showed no significant association with the doctor-patient relationship. However, gender was significantly and strongly related to trust in the doctor. Women showed significantly less trust in the doctor (50%) compared to male patients (75%) The qualitative study revealed language and culture, alternative medicines, commercialisation of medicine and crowding in specialised clinics as barriers to a good doctor-patient relationship. Good doctor-patient compatibility leads to greater trust in the doctor, which in turn leads to better patient compliance, regardless of socio-cultural backgrounds.
Dynamics of doctor-patient relationship: A cross-sectional study on concordance, trust, and patient enablement
16 December 2022