Last update:
17-Oct-2013

Patient satisfaction with the health services is one of the most important indicators of the quality of health care. The increase in the numbers of references to factors that contribute to the patient satisfaction reflect the various different elements to be considered. This article presents research findings, and organizational and operational health features and aspects of the doctor-patient relationship are detailed. The various theoretical approaches to the relationship between doctors and patients are described, along with the ways in which the rapport between the two is developed within each approach. The strategies used to control the doctor-patient encounter are analyzed, together with the communication problems that may arise due to professional attitudes, uncertainties and social class issues. Finally, importance is given to the education of doctors in interpersonal communication skills, and suggestions are formulated that could be submitted to the Directors of Medical Services regarding the continuing training of the medical staff of hospitals on educational matters.

Key words: Communication, Continuing medical education, Doctor-patient relationship, Patient satisfaction.