The doctor-patient relationship has been defined as 'an appropriate relationship in which the patient consciously seeks the help of a physician and the physician consciously accepts that person as a patient'. In its essence, the doctor-patient relationship represents a fiduciary relationship in which, by entering into the relationship, the doctor agrees to respect the patient's autonomy, maintain confidentiality, explain treatment options, obtain informed consent, provide the highest standard of care and commit not to leave the patient without allowing adequate time to find a new doctor. However, such a conventional definition does not capture the vast and deep nature of the doctor-patient relationship. Patients sometimes reveal secrets, worries and concerns to doctors that they have not yet disclosed to friends or family members. Trusting the doctor helps them to maintain or regain their health and well-being.
This unique relationship involves 4 key elements: mutual knowledge, trust, loyalty and respect. Knowledge refers to the doctor's knowledge of the patient as well as the patient's knowledge of the doctor. Trust encompasses the patient's belief in the doctor's competence and care, as well as the doctor's confidence in the patient and their beliefs and reporting of symptoms. Loyalty refers to the patient's willingness to forgive the doctor for any inconvenience or mistake and the doctor's commitment not to abandon the patient. Regard means that patients feel as if the doctor likes them as individuals and is 'on their side'. These 4 elements form the basis of the doctor-patient relationship.
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1023/A:1020899425668.pdf