The importance of the ‘doctor–patient relationship’

Patients often consult a doctor when they feel ill, anxious and vulnerable . The patient can hold a whole host of worries with an agenda that is sometimes not even clearly known to themselves . It is likely that many have preconceived ideas about their problem(s ) . The doctor they are most likely to consult is a general practitioner ( GP) , unless they are referred to a hospital doctor/specialist by the GP.