The patient-doctor relationship and the art of medicine

The tone, nature, and focus of the encounter between patient and doctor plays a decisive role in how their relationship develops. This book reviews the scientific evidence on what constitutes a good encounter in various care situations, and where deficiencies are found. The authors cover a broad spectrum of situations, eg, from how a physician informs parents about the birth of a malformed child, to how people should be treated in the final phase of life.

Leading researchers in Sweden were commissioned by SBU to systematically review the topic of the patient-doctor relationship. Their findings show, for example, that a well- designed educational program can help medical students and physicians learn to communicate in ways that both promote the exchange of information and way that are more satisfying for the patient and the doctor.

The findings in "The Patient-Doctor Relationship and the Art of Medicine" are based on approximately 800 scientific articles. Most of the studies originate from countries other than Sweden, mainly the United States. The authors identify several questions that require further study, partly because of differences in cultures and differences in health delivery systems.

This book is primarily intended for medical students and physicians, but also for other health professionals, health policy makers, and healthcare administrators. It also serves as an important source of information to patients, helping them to become more active participants in making decisions about their care.