The Doctor-Patient Relationship
The patient-physician relationship has been studied for over 100 years. Before science progressed to the level it has today, bedside manner was vital as there were fewer treatments and cures available for illness and disease. Now that the medical field is so advanced, physician-patient interactions have become more transactional, leaving many patients feeling helpless or even hurt.
Components of a Physician-Patient Relationship
For a doctor and patient to have a successful relationship, both the technical aspect of care and the empathy side of care, known as bedside manner, must be present to earn trust.
The technical side of care involves a doctor prescribing treatments or medications, carrying out physical exams, performing diagnostic tests, performing surgery, etc. The other side of medicine, and arguably the more important part of a successful physician-patient relationship, is the emotional side of care. It is one thing for a physician to be the best in their field, and while that is the priority medically speaking, human beings crave empathy and warmth, including from their physicians. Some important qualities and features patients have been shown to want from their doctors include:
- Trust in their doctor and competence in their field or specialty
- To be treated with respect, dignity, and kindness no matter their level of care
- Understand their diagnosis and how it will affect their life
- Being heard when expressing pain or discomfort in health-related situations
- Honesty and clarity
These key points are just a few qualities patients want and deserve from their physicians. At New Age Women’s Health, we prioritize patient-physician communication, physician-patient privilege, and the importance of a healthy doctor-patient relationship. All humans deserve gracious and quality care.
What We See
Unfortunately, not all care today is created equally. Patients often feel passive and as if they do not have a voice because they feel rushed by their doctor or as though they are not being listened to adequately. This route of care is very frustrating to patients, especially those living with chronic illnesses and pain. Especially in a field as sensitive as gynecology or obstetrics, New Age Women’s Health knows and practices another form of care. We believe the doctor and patient need to communicate and work together in the healthcare experience, such as making decisions about care, medication or laying out a treatment plan together.
When a patient-physician relationship is strong and built on trust and the ability to effectively communicate, there is a better chance the patient will feel confident in their care, stick to their treatment plans, and stay on top of follow-up appointments and check-ins. The physician-patient relationship is truly critical to a patient’s quality and longevity of life.
Why Trust is Essential
Today, there is a shockingly large number of people who do not trust medicine or the medical field as a whole. This distrust in medical interactions and advice is partly due to the downfall of healthy, trustworthy, and stable patient-physician relationships. Technology also plays a major role as the medical advice on the internet and social media is often incorrect and misleading. Patients deserve to feel confident in the care they are receiving, whether they are going for a routine exam, diagnostic testing, or something more serious such as a procedure.
At New Age Women’s Health, we know trust between a doctor and patient is essential. It takes two to get patients into the doctor’s office, and it most definitely takes two to get a patient feeling confident and comfortable in their care and treatment. This is why we put such a significant emphasis on the doctor-patient relationship at our practice. Healthcare can feel overwhelming for so many people, especially for women’s issues. Patient-physician communication is key at our OB/GYN practice. We want our patients to feel comfortable throughout their entire experience at our office and as though they can trust that they are receiving top care.
What Patients Deserve
No patient wants to go into a doctor’s office or hospital feeling disrespected, stereotyped or judged by a physician or healthcare team. Regardless of appearance, socioeconomic status, beliefs, gender, ethnicity, or background, all patients deserve equal, quality care. No one wants to feel rushed through an office visit or procedure, talked down to if they ask a question or raise a concern, or feel that they are being spoken to in a harsh tone. Effective patient-physician communication and physician-patient interactions stem from a doctor’s body language, spoken language, respect, honesty, and availability.
If you are currently experiencing an upsetting or unhealthy physician-patient relationship or think your patient-physician privilege is broken, know that you are not alone and deserve more.
The first step is cutting ties with a doctor or care team that is causing you distress. Next, you can find another physician in that same field and rebuild the doctor-patient relationship. We recommend researching physicians and their practices online before visiting. We also recommend looking through their online reviews as they can point out concerns and red flags before subjecting yourself to something first hand, especially when it comes to bedside manner.
New Age Women’s Health
To highlight one of the physicians at New Age Women’s Health, we would like to focus on Dr. Sarah Bedell. Dr. Sarah Bedell is exceptional in her field and a beacon of successful communication and trustworthy doctor-patient relationships. Dr. Sarah Bedell received a BA in Biology from Brandeis University, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Dr. Sarah Bedell earned a Doctorate of Medicine from NYU School of Medicine in 2013. She completed her residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Parkland Hospital, serving as Chief Resident.
Since graduating from her residency, Dr. Sarah Bedell has been taking additional training with top sexual dysfunction and vulvar disorder experts in the United States. Dr. Sarah Bedell has received numerous awards and honors, recognizing her work in Obstetrics and Gynecology, including awards for outstanding care, compassion, and professionalism. Visit our website or give our office a call today to schedule your annual exam or a check-up with Dr. Bedell!
Conclusion
At New Age Women’s Health, we treat all of our patients like family and go above and beyond to provide you with the care you deserve and need. Whether you are looking to have a yearly exam or check-up, are recently pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant, or if you have another health concern involving gynecological or obstetric care, we will be able to assist you. New Age Women’s Health cannot wait to meet you and build the strong doctor and patient bond that every patient deserves!