Patient-Provider Relationship

Patients with long-standing, positive relationships with their family physicians often felt virtual care quality was comparable to in-person care. Doctor-patient relationships were the primary source of professional satisfaction for Pakistani dentists. Unscheduled telephone calls from providers were interpreted by some patients as evidence of care, dedication, and concern. Dentists reported social respect from patients and the community that partly offset dissatisfaction elsewhere. Finnish physicians were divided on whether accepting euthanasia would strengthen or harm the doctor-patient relationship, with approximately 40% saying it would strengthen it and 33% saying it would harm it. Canadian qualitative research shows that assisted dying can make physicians feel more engaged with patients, while opponents raise concerns about eroding trust among vulnerable patient groups. A substantial minority of Finnish physicians (14–24%) were unable to take a position on how euthanasia would affect the doctor-patient relationship, reflecting genuine uncertainty. The quality of a first visit with a new provider influences whether patients return, follow care plans, and feel involved in decis…