If you want to check part 1 or 2, please click here.

Part 1 “Threatened to kill us"

Part 2  What is the biggest reason for the dispute?

 

• What is needed to resolve the doctor-patient dispute? 

 

Our final segment of the survey elucidated responses from the doctors on the above question as we sought to identify possible solutions.

 

In or country patients often award the doctors, the status of God leading to unrealistic expectations. Though doctors have the knowledge and they try their best to restore the health of the patients, considering them God is very often a cause of mistrust and dispute. Contrary to what patients and their loved ones regard sometimes, doctors are usually not responsible for the death of their patients. Faith and trust from patients are what doctors consider as their greatest rewards.

 

 

Shift in patient’s perception about treatments

“Patient and attendants should remember that doctor is not God, he is also human and can make mistakes. Doctor always gives his best. Medicines are not magic potions -they do take time in working - so have patience. A disease which has gone on and on for so long how can they expect it to heal in a day. So please remember Doctor treats but God cures.”

 

Transparent communication

“Communication is the key. Have a friendly approach, listen to them first. Think what is necessary whether it is medication or investigation. Don't burden them financially. That way they develop lot of trust in you, so the dispute automatically mellowed.” (Age bracket 40’s, Dermatology)

“Doctor- should take time to make his patient and the relatives understand the disease and the treatment.  Should put forward all the possible course of treatment and help the patient and relatives in picking a regimen that will work for the patient. Should be transparent.    Patient and attendants - they should remember that doctor is not god. He is also human and can make mistakes. Doctor always gives his best. Medicines are not magic portion -they do take time in working - so have patience. A disease which has gone on and on for so long how can they expect it to heal in a day. So please remember Doctor treats but God cures.” (40’s, Family Medicine)
“Explaining the patient about the patient's condition on a periodical basis...” (Age bracket 40’s, Pulmonology)

 

Patient education

“Understanding of the community that Doctor is not God and there are limitations to what a doctor can do. When someone does not understand this the knowledgeable members of the community should intervene and stop that person. This will give sense of security in doctors and they will not feel they are unsafe in spite of all good acts towards the society. Media should educate people about the facts rather than provoke them for unnecessary publicity.”  (Age bracket 60’s, General Medicine)

“Patient education is most important and patient should avoid getting half information on internet.” (Age bracket 30’s, Dentistry)

“Every doctor does his best in treating his patients.no doctor will harm his patient deliberately. It is this knowledge which should be given to the people in general. Apart from this people should have little information about chronic diseases in which full recovery cannot be appreciated at any state.” (Age bracket 20’s, General Medicine

Legislation

“It should be from law makers’ side. There should be strict rules. But contrary to this government imposing new rules to doctors and message is going to public that government also not favoring the doctor’s practice. One thing to be very clear that not a single doctor want to lose his patient. He always tries to his best for patients. Some investigation may be done extra but that should be seen from consumer forum aspect.” (Age bracket 40’s, ENT)

“Changing attitude of patients and doctors as well. Stringent laws and their impartial unbiased implementation if any untoward incident occurs. Positive Media” (Age bracket 60’s, General Medicine)

 

Proper record

“Video recording new voice recording of every conversation between doctor and new patients.  All circumstances about disease n treatment to be explained. Minimum relatives allowed to be restricted to 1 or 2.” (Age bracket 30’s, Cardiothoracic Surgery)
“A CCTV with audio in the discussion room where important relatives clarify their doubts, in the beginning of treatment & periodically.     Getting other specialists early in management” (Age bracket 40’s, Cardiology)

Organize other professional team
“Dedicated services by doctor and team,timely counselling and a separate pro team which looks into all non-medical aspects of patient care like billing ,insurance, patient room comfort, foods and beverages”  ( Age bracket 30’s, Pediatrics & Neonatology)

 

 

PREVIOUS:

Part 1 “Threatened to kill us"

Part 2  What is the biggest reason for the dispute?

 

Disclaimer

We have presented the data and facts as they are without generalizing the results as a reflection of the views of entire Indian doctor’s population. The demographic profile of the survey participants [shown above] may differ from the population of all Indian Doctors. Also, limiting the sample to the Internet channel only may introduce bias in the results. We have also presented actual doctors' quotes in the aritcle, which should not be interpreted as implying cause and effect.

This article was originally published on 29.06.18