HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PATIENTS
American patients want their doctor to shake their hand as a sign of respect and trust. According to a survey in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 81% of patients believed that student doctors should be taught to shake hands and even more thought that they should wash up between handshakes. Patients also expect doctors to smile, be friendly, attentive and polite; make them feel like a priority; and make eye contact. The Lancet concludes in an editorial that this research serves as "a reminder that all aspects of practice, research, funding and legislation should ultimately be directed to the benefit of patients."
Michael Cook edits BioEdge, a bioethics newsletter, and MercatorNet, an on-line magazine whose focus is human dignity. He writes from Sydney, Australia.
Latest posts by Michael Cook (see all)
- How long can you put off seeing the doctor because of lockdowns? - December 3, 2021
- House of Lords debates assisted suicide—again - October 28, 2021
- Spanish government tries to restrict conscientious objection - October 28, 2021
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