The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on doctor-patient relationship

Abstract

Doctor-patient relationship (DPR) is the cornerstone of clinical medicine, mobilizing powerful human resources. This article analyzes the impact of COVID-19 pandemia on DPR. Due to fear of contagion, the use of telephone or digital consultation was preferred, in which only the results of laboratory and imaging tests can be reviewed, and the patient receives a diagnostic conclusion. Patients are afraid of face-to-face consultations, and healthcare centers developed measures to reduce patient influx. Thus, a new relationship ensued, generating suspicion, mistrust and fear. The empathy and affection that the doctor must project and deliver to the patient was reduced. Depending on the duration of the pandemia, doctors and patients will eventually get used to this type of relationship and a paradigm shift will occur, in which Hippocratic medicine gives way to digital medicine.