Exploring the doctor-patient relationship reduces staff stress and enhances empathy when caring for AIDS patients.
At our AIDS outpatient clinic we presently care for more than 1,200 HIV-infected patients. All physicians in this unit have participated for 1 year in a case work group supervised by a liaison psychiatrist. The doctor-patient relationship, the assessment in the case work group and the ensuing influence on perception and behavior are demonstrated by 3 cases. Different issues challenge the doctor-patient relationship: the serious prognosis of predominantly young AIDS patients; isolation and stigmatization of patients; fear of contagion, and questions of confidentiality regarding contact tracing. Reflection upon the doctor-patient relationship improves communication skills and increases empathy towards AIDS patients.
Battegay
M
M
Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Weber
R
R
Willi
J
J
Eich
D
D
Siegenthaler
W
W
Lüthy
R
R
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004645:Empathy; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012803:Sick Role