Doctor/Patient Relations

Introduction

The rules that apply in a doctor/patient relationship are different to those which govern other social relations.

These two people have just met, but within seconds one has begun to tell the other intimate personal details about his health. What is more, it is likely that, in a few minutes, he will be prepared to remove some of his clothes and submit to a physical examination.

This is a one way process, it would be highly inappropriate if the doctor started to discuss her own bowel movements or if the patient asked her personal questions. The interaction is shaped by their differing social roles and their different needs.

The patient is seeking expert knowledge and access to treatment. The doctor is acting as the gatekeeper of the scarce social resource that is health-care and so is seeking information about the patient in order to assess his needs.