Doctor-patient relationships are on the skids
Patients don't like doctors who are too full of themselves. They don't like docs who act like they know everything.
I've seen this patient attitude become more prevalent over the years. It's an unfortunate fact, since most doctors went into medicine originally to help people, not abuse them. Yet time after time, I'll meet a new patient who reports this sort of disrespectful behavior. Part of the problem is that, despite their holier-than-thou attitudes, many docs don't spend enough time talking to patients. It's not that they're negligent. They're in a dysfunctional system that is creating incentives to move patients through quickly, without listening. They work in office environments that are too rushed – and patients are noticing.
About a quarter of patients feel that their docs sometimes expose them to unnecessary risk, according to a new study from John Hopkins University. This distrust also shows up in bookstores. There's a cottage industry of books and articles with the theme of "what your physician won't tell you about …"
Once upon a time, docs seemed to be the only source of information on health and illness. (They never really were, except in some people's perceptions.) Now patients are more likely to come in with preconceived ideas on an illness or diagnosis, thanks to TV, Web sites and other media outlets. Some of these patients are misinformed, and under the sway of Big Pharma marketing – but that's all the more reason for doctors to really spend time educating them.
Cultural shifts should be forcing doctors to spend more time with their patients, but it just isn't happening – and the relationships are suffering. As a patient, there are some things you can do to demand more attention from your doc. Don't be afraid to come in with a list of questions. The doctor should be open with the patient. I often say something along the lines of this: "I know you've seen ads about this. You should also be aware of these other options."
Honest and open communication – on both sides – is the key to any good relationship. Do your part – and demand your doctor do his.
