Tyler O’Sullivan PJM
Reviewing research on the patient practitioner relationship
A variety of studies have explored the patient practioner relationship. In this review article I will look at the findings from a range of studies and explore how this can be used by University medical schools in the training of students.
McKinstry and Wangs study, conducted in 1991, found that patients had a higher level on confidence in Doctors and health professional that maintained professional dress codes as opposed to Doctors who attended consultations dressed informally. When training medical students it would be useful to inform them that appearance can be a significant factor in reassuring a patient. Along with a formal dress sense drawing upon Argyle’s findings in 1975 another important factor in maintaining patient confidence is to maintain good non verbal contact relations – such as eye contact and facial expressions.