Maintaining The Doctor And Patient Relationship: Ajith Kozhikote

“I am like a doctor. I have written a prescription to help the patient. If the patient doesn't want all the pills I've recommended that's up to him. But I must warn that next time I will have to come as a surgeon with a knife. ” - Javier Pérez De Cuéllar

Don't impress your doctor by telling a lie about your medical condition. The strong foundation of doctor and patient relationship is trust and honesty. I have heard so many cases in which patients give false information to their doctors to avoid a harsh conversation. I remember, on asking my patient about her exercising schedule, she quipped, “I am a yoga enthusiast, and I go for a walk every evening. But, further in the counseling session, she was caught manipulating that her busy schedule keeps her away from the physical activities. On catching her lie, the smooth conversation took a serious turn, and I explained her the consequences of taking her health so easy.

A long lasting relationship between the doctor and patient needs support from both the ends. You have to be a trustworthy patient, and your doctor should respect your honesty. If a patient is uncomfortable with his doctor, then it is the responsibility of the practitioner to make him feel easy, and create a light atmosphere for a proper conversation. This interaction plays an important role in the process of treatment. Less or no information can put you in danger. The doctor must know everything about your previous and present medical condition to proceed further. So, to avoid any misdiagnoses and improper treatment, you have to be honest with him.

Physicians on the other hand do have a responsibility towards their patients. They are often seen in a rush while attending the patients. Is that a true practice? In order to earn more money, the physicians take more appointments in a day. This packed schedule is responsible for a lack of proper interaction between the patient and the doctor. Practitioners must know that exchanging a few words with their patients can make a lot of difference.

Through this post, I would like to address the need for more transparency in this relationship which will benefit both the parties.