There’s no denying that the notion of primary care is transactional in nature. This includes everything in the chain of activity, including:
- The diagnosis
- The treatment
- The medications being used
- The subsequent procedures
- The referrals
- Various administrative tasks, etc.
But it’s just as clear that some aspects shouldn’t be transactional. The doctor-patient relationship is one of them, given the many implications it suggests. Unfortunately, the reality on the ground is far from ideal. Doctors are experiencing burnout in record numbers, which will drastically impact not only the doctor-patient relationship but the quality of the medical services as well.
The direct effect is that the patient will experience lower-quality healthcare and will struggle with more precarious mental health and mental stability. This raises an interesting point: can medicine become the well-rounded experience that once was? Can primary care physicians connect with their patients at a more intimate level?
The 4 Reasons Why the Doctor-Patient Relationship is Transactional Today
It’s clear that modern physicians prefer a fee-for-service model, which is undoubtedly detrimental to the doctor-patient relationship. But where does that preference come from? Here are 4 reasons to consider:
Low Emotional Intelligence – Modern medical schools and residency platforms no longer stress the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. Instead, the goal is strictly medically related and limited to the scientific part of the activity. There’s no thought given to emotional intelligence or notions like empathy, compassion, and consideration for the patient’s mental well-being. A relevant study has pointed out that the physician’s emotional intelligence tends to decline during medical school.
The Threat of Litigation – An eye-opening study has pointed out that the way doctors choose to communicate with patients can predict whether the doctor will face any malpractice lawsuits in the future. Also, around 75% of physicians have faced at least 1 malpractice lawsuit by the time they turned 65. This explains why physicians default to a more formal interaction with their patients, keeping everything more professional but less personal.
The Fear of Medical Errors – Burned out doctors experience 200% more medical errors. This fact alone may explain why physicians prefer to keep the communication to a minimum with their patients. The less time spent together and discussing, the lower the risks of medical errors.
The Need for Stoicism – There’s a misconception among doctors that showing empathy and understanding is equal to appearing as vulnerable and weak. Forgetting in the process that openness and vulnerability are often related to authenticity. This explains why so many patients don’t trust their physicians anymore.
Switching to a Patient-Oriented Care System
It’s never too late to switch from the more formal type of doctor-patient interaction today to a more informal and intimate one. The patient needs to feel safe, supported, and connected. These emotions will strengthen their state of mind, effectively supporting the recovery process and boosting the physician’s image along the way.
Doing so comes with clear benefits for both the patient and the doctor.
With offices in Miami, Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and West Palm Beach, Primary Medical Care Center is a leader in full-risk primary care, distinguished by its innovative philosophy and unique physician-led culture that delivers coordinated, world-class primary care to the most vulnerable populations, particularly moderate- to low-income seniors with complicated chronic diseases.