Whole-person care in general practice The doctor-patient relationship

Abstract

Background and objective Whole-person care (WPC) is a defining feature of general practice, but it may not be consistently implemented. These authors conducted a qualitative study to define WPC and determine factors that influence its provision. Part one of this series suggested a model of WPC. Its foundation is the doctor-patient relationship; this article reports the findings concerning this theme. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Australian GPs or general practice registrars and analysed using grounded theory methodology. Results GPs viewed the doctor-patient relationship as foundational to WPC, facilitating knowledge of the patient, trust and management. Participants' descriptions of the doctor-patient relationship were multidimensional, encompassing interacting professional, personal and business-transactional dimensions. Discussion The results suggest that a multidimensional doctor-patient relationship underpins WPC. It is not adequately described by a consumerist/ contractual model; future work could further elucidate its nature. This relationship must be valued to provide quality WPC.