The doctor-patient relationship and medical malpractice litigation.
Little empirical data support the allegation that a good doctor-patient relationship prevents litigation. However, physicians--including psychiatrists--should be alert to critical events that generate anxiety in both doctor and patient and thus disrupt the equilibrium of their relationship. The author discusses reactions in doctor and patient that may lead to further disequilibrium, the outcome of which may be litigation.
Charles
S C
SC
Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois, Chicago 60612.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012307:Risk Factors