A fundamental problem in healthcare is that relationships are brief and fairly short lived. Relationships were broken by the creation of provider networks when managed care arrived and by the relatively easy movement of people about the nation following jobs and loved ones. As a result, long-term relationships with a physician became a memory of the past.
Much has been written on relationship-centered care. Follow the link for one of the earliest and best works on it, the Pew Fetzer Task Force report. It specifies very practical ways to implement Relationship-Centered Care. It identifies specific knowledge, skills and values needed. Some of them are to develop effective communication, engage a community and to improve ones self / health. The report also provides 6 principles which include expanding patient function and meaningfulness into all functions of life, reflective self-work, being close to the community and ongoing education.
Sadly more has been written than practiced when it comes to relationship based care. It is continually given lip service in many healthcare organizations; however it rarely crosses the threshold into action. What is required first is commitment to building relationships, and then becoming able to enter into and sustain them through self-work and an altruistic interest in the welfare of others.
When we have a national electronic medical health record, there will be an unbroken flow of information, which will prevent unnecessary and redundant tests and improve care for patients. However, we still have the human element of love, compassion and trust between two or more people that needs attention. Relationships are essential to heal one’s self. Let us focus on healing and relationships.