Perception of Doctor-Patient Relationship in the Present Time from the Viewpoint of Doctors: A Qualitative Study at a Tertiary Health-Care Center in Eastern India.

CONTEXT

Doctor-patient relationship has gone through some troubled times in the recent past. Quality data regarding this is lacking in the Indian setting.

AIMS

The study aim was to find the perception of doctors regarding doctor-patient relationship.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

The study was conducted at a tertiary health-care center in West Bengal. It was a qualitative study including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study comprised of in-depth interviews (IDI) of thirty residents and three FGDs, involving 33 residents.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Data analysis was performed manually by deductive approach. Descriptive "codes" of the text information were done. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

Doctor-patient relationship was perceived as of mutual trust and respect. Overburdened doctors, impatient patients, unrealistic expectations from the treatment, and lack of infrastructure were some of the agreed-upon factors for the strained relationship. A combined corrective effort is needed to salvage the current situation.

CONCLUSIONS

A healthy doctor-patient relationship is instrumental in the holistic picture of health care. Doctors, patients, administration, and media have shared causation to the problem and have equal responsibility for its amendment.