"At the heart of every effective patient-physician interaction is a relationship that is built on trust."

Med Clin North Am. 2018 May;102(3):485-493. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2017.12.010.

Communication and Ethics in the Clinical Examination.

Onguti S1, Mathew S2, Todd C2.

Author information

1

Department of Internal Medicine, SIU Medicine, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, 801 North Rutledge, PO Box 19628, Springfield, IL 62794-9628, USA. Electronic address: sharon.onguti@gmail.com.

2

Department of Internal Medicine, SIU Medicine, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, 801 North Rutledge, PO Box 19628, Springfield, IL 62794-9628, USA.

Abstract

At the heart of every effective patient-physician interaction is a relationship that is built on trust. Cultivating sound communication skills coupled with the awareness and application of ethical principles is integral to this process. One of the foremost challenges in competent practice is negotiating situations that arise at the bedside when such issues as patient autonomy, differing world views, honesty, and cost stewardship come into conflict. It is essential for health care providers to consider how to detect and prioritize these issues as they advocate for high-quality and patient-centered care.