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Multicenter Study
. 2003 Apr;96(4):180-4.
doi: 10.1258/jrsm.96.4.180.

The doctor-patient relationship in US primary care

Pam Lings  1 , Philip Evans, David Seamark, Clare Seamark, Kieran Sweeney, Michael Dixon, Denis Pereira Gray
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

The doctor-patient relationship in US primary care

Pam Lings et al. J R Soc Med. 2003 Apr.

Abstract

Changes in the organization of primary care in the UK are driven by a need to improve access and availability, but doctor-patient relationships may suffer. To investigate the importance of such relationships in a different setting, we analysed focus-group data obtained in a primary care facility in the USA (Rochester, NY). The findings pointed to three key factors in these relationships-namely, an asymmetry of perceptions on the two sides, belying the notion of a meeting of experts; the importance on both sides of 'liking'; and the value set by both parties on development of trust. The last two of these factors are probably related to continuity of care, now under threat.

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Comment in

  • Have I seen you before?
    Fox R. Fox R. J R Soc Med. 2003 Apr;96(4):159. doi: 10.1177/014107680309600401. J R Soc Med. 2003. PMID: 12668700 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • What's important in the doctor-patient relationship?
    Kubacki A. Kubacki A. J R Soc Med. 2003 Jun;96(6):314. doi: 10.1177/014107680309600623. J R Soc Med. 2003. PMID: 12782704 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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