Doctor-patient relationship. Islamic perspective

Saudi Med J. 2016 Feb;37(2):121-6. doi: 10.15537/smj.2016.2.13602.

Abstract

The doctor-patient relationship is an intricate concept in which patients voluntarily approach a doctor and become part of a contract by which they tend to abide by doctor's instructions. Over recent decades, this relationship has changed dramatically due to privatization and commercialization of the health sector. A review of the relevant literature in the database of MEDLINE published in English between 1966 and August 2015 was performed with the following keywords: doctor-patient relationship, physician-patient relationship, ethics, and Islam. The Muslim doctor should be familiar with the Islamic teachings on the daily issues faced in his/her practice and the relationship with his/her patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Confidentiality
  • Empathy
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent
  • Islam*
  • Parents
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • Trust
  • Truth Disclosure