Patients and Carers
摘要
Despite changes in the method of delivering neurological care over the years, a trusting relationship between the patient and their physician remains a key element. Central concepts in the patient-neurologist relationship include patient experience, patient-centered care, minimally disruptive care, shared decision-making, patient education, patient empowerment, and self-advocacy. Multiple factors contribute to the patient experience, such as accessibility, waiting times, geographical location, emotional aspects, and the patient’s perception of the quality of their interactions with the physician, psychosocial support, family and caregiver support, education, and engagement. Patient-centered care and shared decision-making imply empathic and open-minded care in which the patient and healthcare professional are equal partners in informed medical decisions that are consistent with the patient’s values. Patient-centered care improves health outcomes, increases patient satisfaction, and reduces health costs. The patient needs to feel heard and validated and sufficiently comfortable that they can openly talk about their concerns with their healthcare professional. Optimal neurological care is minimally disruptive, i.e., personalized to minimize the treatment burden on the patient and their caregiver. Potential threats to the patient-physician relationship in daily clinical practice include limited clinical and economic resources, the commercialization of medicine, limited physician autonomy and respect, healthcare professional burnout, and social and community history and beliefs. By embracing digital innovation and nurturing a culture of collaboration, the patient can be empowered to make informed decisions without overwhelming their healthcare professional. The future of healthcare lies in shared knowledge and shared responsibility.