ADVISOR

Since the earliest days of medicine, practitioners have recognized the importance of the relationship between doctors and patients. (It’s even enshrined in the Hippocratic Oath: First, do no harm.)

Even so, health care is a topdown experience for most patients. We view doctors as authority figures who make all the decisions about our treatment, and today the constraints of insurance companies seem to narrow our choices even further. It’s no wonder patients sometimes feel like they don’t have much say in their own health care.

Are you ready for some good news? That culture is slowly changing, as evidence mounts that a heightened emphasis on patient-centered care provides better results for the whole team: patients, their families, and health care providers.

Today, many doctors recognize that a technologically correct diagnosis is only one facet of treating a patient.

“You can’t just say, ‘Your problem is X,’” says Dr. Hampton Richards of Walnut Hill Ob/Gyn.

“You have to figure out what their end goal is. And that re- ally ties into who they are, where they come from and what their life is like.

“The key to helping a patient get better is to figure out what is unique for her,” Dr. Richards says. “Sometimes, the same complaint means different things to different patients.”

Mayo Clinic research indicates that when treatment decisions are shared between patients and doctors, best practices can be combined with patients’ values and preferences. The new thinking blends the clinical side of medicine — lab results, statistics and machines — with greater attention to the patient’s experience.

The impersonal nature of technology makes a connection to the physician more important than ever. The patient’s experience begins in the reception room. If the space feels cold or

Jeffrey M. Thurston, M.D

David M. Bookout, M.D.

Julie M. Hagood, M.D.

James K. Richards, M.D. (center row)

Jennifer Muller, M.D.

John D. Bertrand, M.D. (front row) unwelcoming, it can add unnecessary stress to the visit.

Jane E. Nokleberg, M.D.

Hampton B. Richards, M.D.

“We strive to provide a courteous relationship and a relaxing environment where people will feel comfortable talking about difficult issues,” says Dr. Julie Vu, an associate at Brothers & Crochet Ob/Gyn Associates of Dallas, LLP. This applies whether she is working with an expectant mother or a woman in menopause.

“Often women have read a lot about childbirth, and have very specific wishes,” Dr. Vu says. “We try hard to let them have the kind of delivery they would like, while keeping their expectations realistic.”

When care is patient-centered, doctors ensure patients have all the information they need about their options. As technology advances, there’s often more than one good choice. Patients also have more responsibility in the partnership. They must identify their priorities, and their lifestyle choices (like nutrition or sleep habits) can enhance treatment success. A good relationship with a doctor increases the likelihood that a patient will follow through on healthy behaviors.

Adherence to healthy behaviors and lifestyle can be especially important in dental care, and research indicates a good relationship between dentist and patient leads to better health.

“Our practice is based on relationships,” says Dr. Ashly Cothern, DDS. “Our objective is to build the relationship based on trust and integrity, on honesty and communication.

“It’s our job to tell patients what we see and recommend, and it’s the patient’s prerogative to accept all of it, some of it,

• Respect for patients’ values, preferences and expressed needs

• Coordination and integration of care

• Information, communication and education

• Physical comfort

• Emotional support and alleviation of fear and anxiety

• Involvement of family and friends

• Transition and continuity