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The color, symbolizes the sun, the eternal source of energy. It spreads warmth, optimism, enlightenment. It is the liturgical color of deity Saraswati - the goddess of knowledge.

The shape, neither a perfect circle nor a perfect square, gives freedom from any fixed pattern of thoughts just like the mind and creativity of a child. It reflects eternal whole, infinity, unity, integrity & harmony.

The ' child' within, reflects our child centric philosophy; the universal expression to evolve and expand but keeping a child’s interests and wellbeing at the central place.

The name, "Maa Sharda;" is a mother with divinity, simplicity, purity, enlightenment and healing touch, accommodating all her children indifferently. This venture itself is an offering to her........

Doctor – Patient Relationship In This Era: What’S The Missing Link?


First prize winner essay of the essay competition held by Rajkot branch of Indian Medical Association, 2013

 

Introduction

“A doctor beaten up by a mob of patient’s relatives.”- xxxx

The relationship between Doctor and patient that was once as sacred as that of God and worshipper has now become as vulnerable as that between a buyer and seller in the local market.

The missing links in the present era

In olden days, the physician was like a family, friend and a guide for the whole society. Professionalism in the medical practice has increased the distance between the patient and practitioner. The patient feels lost in the market. Being on the educated, intelligent and socially responsible side, it becomes our duty to analyze the factors affecting the relationship.

Factors responsible from the doctor’s point of view:

1) Doctors are on their toes throughout the day and don’t wish to waste time on basic methods of examination and protocols of treatment. More reliance on investigations increases the cost of treatment on the patient’s side and raises unnecessary doubts.

2) Expenses of Medical education, years spent on it, cost of working setup-all these puts pressure on the doctor to earn rapidly, which is difficult to overcome. When improper channels are used to gain profit, the faith on the whole fraternity is lost.

3) Doctors, mostly in metros, rush from one hospital to other spending more time on wheels than in clinics! Patients are often seen only once a day. There are chances of missing or misdiagnosis and under or over treatment.

4) Sometimes a physician writes down prescriptions before listening to the complaints in detail. No patient likes this. Proper history taken is half the battle won!

5) Doctors in periphery are stressed due to overload of patients while those in metros are stressed to increase their practice.

6) Patients expect an honest opinion. A doctor’s incapability or limitations are well understood if conveyed clearly. Referring the patient one cannot handle is better than mishandling the patient.

7) Improper comment about fellow colleagues is one of the nastiest things a good doctor would do! Remember, what comment one makes about ones’ colleague is also applied to oneself.

Factors responsible from the patient’s point of view:

1) Information provided in Medias is good for mass education, but can be misinterpreted at individual level. This raises unnecessary doubts on doctor’s advice and non compliance.

2) With time the virtue of tolerance is decreasing. The overall belief is that if the doctor cannot bring a positive change in your symptoms immediately, change the doctor!!

3) Patients have started evaluating doctors by their own terms and window shopping of treatment is being done. The moment they feel slightly dissatisfied, they change the doctor.

4) There exists a mass belief that doctors are here only to serve. People spend lavishly on clothes and meals but a medical bill always seems to be an extra burden on the family budget.

Legal and social reasons

1) Media always create hype by publishing negative news & sensationalizing the event regarding medical practice.

2) Misuse of Consumer protection law has brought a great setback to the relationship

 How the links can be joined back?

1) Teaching art of communication along with the art of treatment at the graduation level.

2) Empathetic and sympathetic attitude of doctors.

3) Doctors should learn to de-stress themselves first.

4) Improve listening and counseling skills

5) Minimal interruptions by phone calls, networking sites and internet during consulting hours.

6) Thrive for quality standards rather than quantity of patients.

7) Employing trained staff with humanitarian attitude.

8) Regular motivations through CMEs of physicians and staff.

9) Group practice can help share the responsibilities and reduce individual burden.

Lastly, we should remember the dictum of Mother Teresa- “Medicine is neither a profession nor a business, it is a mission”. We can accomplish it even while earning. A vision and a passion to treat our patients, with compassion is the only requirement.

 

Dr. NEEMA SITAPARA

MD (Pediatrics)

PGD-AP (Adolescent health specialist)

Laxmi Children Hospital

Rajkot- 2458666

Mo: 98248-64888

E-mail: laxmirajkot@yahoo.com

sitapara.neema@gmail.com