Treating Others With Respect in Health Care

There are many ways people interact with one another. Some interactions carry certain expectations and others have no predictability or assumptions. Those with expectations are usually based on behavior that has been adopted, seen routinely, and viewed as necessary. Moreover, this viewpoint may be based on legal, cultural, and ethical standards.

For example, “health care professionals should not only provide appropriate care for their patients, but also concern for their well-being.” Because there are so many issues involved in patient care and the personalities of the patient and provider, positive experiences are not always achieved. Consequently, the patient may develop some uncomplimentary emotions and beliefs about the provider. These may include feelings of disappointment, anger, and a lack of respect and trust. In some cases, the aggrieved party may complain and engage in disrespectful behavior toward the provider. Although some of these emotional reactions may be understandable, they may also contribute to further adverse consequences for the complaining patient. Because the patient had an unfavorable experience with a health care provider who specialized in a certain area of medicine, the patient may not only refuse to see this doctor again but may also generalize their negative reaction to other health providers: ranging from those who specialize in the same area to any health care provider.

Many people feel uneasy when they see a heath care professional. This may occur because they fear:

• Needles and the sight of blood
• That a serious health issue may be discovered
• The unpleasantness they might experience when the health care provider mentions that they have not adhered to a proper diet, exercise, or consistently taken their medications

These unpleasant reactions are not universal. Some patients may like to fully describe their health concerns and symptoms, and consequently feel disrespected and dismissed when the care provider wants to move on.

One of the many necessary actions contributing to a person’s feelings of trust for and comfort from their health care provider is when the provider demonstrates concern and respect for the individual. For example,

• How does the health care provider treat the new patient who complains of pain in their stomach?
• Does the health provider respond to the patient in a caring and professional manner?
• Are the patient’s concerns addressed?
• Is the patient informed in a meaningful way about their condition and how to treat it?

Time Issues and Health Care

One factor that can negatively impact the health care provider-patient relationship is the issue of time. Does the patient feel rushed during their appointment, and therefore is reluctant to ask the pressing questions they may have?

The practice of health care has undergone many changes over the years such that "long" conversations regarding health issues between the patient and health care provider are not as common as in past decades. Does this necessarily mean that the patient is not receiving quality care? No, but what it can influence is the patient’s comfort and satisfaction in their health care. The patient may need and want to know further information about their condition and how to improve it. Articulating this to a health care professional who (for various reasons) spends a short period of time with the patient can foster the patient’s feelings that their “fundamental human right to be treated with dignity and respect” was disregarded (Zakowski, 2024, p. 6).

Although many people may not feel offended by health care providers who practice in a “non-leisurely” manner, the importance of feeling respected and “heard” can have a direct impact on patients’ physical and mental health. This is an exceedingly important component of health care; particularly, for those who have been historically marginalized and stigmatized. Fernandez, et al., (2024), discuss how respect can be “manifested in physicians’ orientation towards the patient (i.e., interpersonal behaviors in interactions) and respect in medical professionalism (i.e., clinic procedures and practices). Additional features of respect can include, “being treated as an equal…being encouraged to ask questions and have a partnership in the decision-making process. These demonstrations of respect for the patient affirm their importance in their health care as well as the treating provider's approval of their decision-making.

You and Your Health Care Providers

Choosing a health care provider is not always easy. You, the patient, should address what qualities of a provider are most important to you. As with many other professionals, the demand for their time may be great. A potential consequence of this is that some patients may feel that they have not received appropriate care. If you believe that your provider is not spending adequate time with you, respectively let the provider know that you would like to discuss your concerns further. Do not be reluctant to advocate for your well-being. However, the reality is that many health care practitioners have more obligations than time. Nevertheless, you need to advocate for your health.

Another issue to consider regarding health care providers is the fact that not all of them are gifted with excellent interpersonal skills. Moreover, this may have no significant relationship to their medical competence as a health care provider. This too may be an issue for the patient to weigh regarding its importance to them.

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Having trust in your health care providers is a critical component. They may not be the most gregarious or have an impressive office displaying the many exhibits of their accomplishments. It is the quality of care that they provide as well as their concern for your well-being that are among the most important factors related to the patient’s welfare.