News Release

Doctors find patient relationships highlight of profession

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Indiana University

What do doctors find meaningful about their work? Is it the opportunity to work as a scientifically detached observer? Is it the chance to work with exciting cutting edge technology? Is it the money? No, according to a study published in the May 5 Annals of Internal Medicine, both male and female physicians say it's all about relationships and the honor of taking care of patients.

Evaluating written reminiscences collected from 83 internists over six years, Richard Frankel, Ph.D., research scientist at the Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and colleagues concluded that being of service to and establishing relationships with their patients were what was most meaningful for physicians about their work.

In an era where the business of health care discourages many from the practice of medicine, caring for patients was what kept them in the profession. Doctors reported that they changed their perspectives about themselves, their professional roles, human nature, as well as illness and patient care after being part of a profound event or emotional experience with a patient, according to the study.

"Physicians do challenging work and often make life and death decisions. For doctors to perform well under the stress of always needing to make the right decision, they need to find meaning in what they do. We found that connecting with patients in moments of intimacy in settings ranging from mundane to profound provided that meaning. Amid so much discussion of what is wrong with medicine, we found strong relationships between doctors and patients yield good medicine," said Dr. Frankel, who is a health services researcher and co-director of a relationship-centered care research and education initiative funded by the Fetzer Institute and located at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Dr. Frankel is part of a team that is currently interviewing students, residents, faculty and administrators at the Indiana University School of Medicine to uncover the role and importance of relationships in medical training and how such relationships affect the practice of medicine.

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