ABSTRACT
Under the current health care system, there are multiple and complex barriers for both physicians and patients to overcome in order to develop a relationship that is effective, mutually satisfying, and meaningful This chapter briefly examines the importance of the relationship, outlines what is known about communication in the physician-older patient relationship, describes some strategies that health care professionals (physicians, in particular) and older patients may employ to help develop their relationship, and provides an actual case illustrating the significance of a meaningful physician-older patient relationship.
