Question

In thinking about the power relationships unique to health care organizations (e.g., physician – patient), what might be some of the challenges to effective negotiation? Think about these challenges in the context of the common mistakes made when thinking about conflict and when managing relationships.

Answer 1

The power relationship among doctor and patient is significant but has certain challenges such as, a patient may not trust the physician and will not disclose complete information clearly; eliciting patients’ own explanation of their illness; involving patients in developing a treatment plan by a doctor, waiting times by a patient and attention offered by a doctor to fulfill the patients’ personal comfort; sense of security by a patient; reminders and user friendly educational material offered to patients; Thus, the doctor –patient relationship is critical for vulnerable patients who believes on doctor’s good will, competence and skills, professional ethics. Hence, the interest of patients and doctor overlaps with each other.