Enhancing the patient- clinician relationship

IntroductionAccording to Burge, the median length of time an individual attends a family or general practitioner is 12 years (F Burge, personal communication). This long relationship brings many benefi ts. For the doctor, there is the knowledge of the person’s physical, psychological and social profi le. The depth to which the doctor can know the patient is staggering. For the patient, the relationship leads to a level of trust and respect unattainable with other professionals they encounter in everyday life. For both, there is the likelihood that a close and unique bond will develop: friendship, but in a professional setting. Steinhauser asked patients and carers what care would contribute to a ‘good death’. Six main themes emerged: good pain and symptom management, clear decision-making, preparation for death, a sense of completion of life tasks, contributing to others, and affi rmation by the care of the whole person.