Medical Practice
Patient Care
This issue is initiated with the establishment of a personal relationship between the physician and patient. The effectiveness of therapeutic measures prescribed is enhanced in the presence of a sense of confidence and trust. Reassurance by the physician under these conditions may be all that is necessary to improve the patient's well-being. Similarly, for illnesses that are not easily treatable, a sense by the patient that the physician is doing everything possible is an essential therapeutic approach.
Clinical decision making should involve the patient, especially where quality of life issues are concerned. In such cases, a determination of what the patient values most should be made after lengthy conversation between physician and patient. When it is not medically possible to eliminate the disease and its consequences, improving the quality of life should of course be the treatment goal.
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Job Descriptions and Careers, Career and Job Opportunities, Career Search, and Career Choices and ProfilesGuide to Medical & Dental SchoolsMedical Practice - Physician-patient Relationship, Clinical Skills, Diagnosing Disease, Patient Care, Assessing Treatment, Accountability