The Impact of the Doctor-Patient Relationship on the Treatment Goal in Rheumatology.

Objectives: To assess the perceptions of patients with rheumatic diseases about the doctor-patient relationship and the impact on their treatment and their quality of life.

Methods: A quantitative study collecting data from patients with rheumatic diseases using the following tools: (a) the Doctor-Patient Relationship Assessment Questionnaire-16 (DoPRAQ-16), assessed the quality of doctor-patient relationship, (b) the Short Form 36 (SF-36) assessed the quality of life of patients, and (c) the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), assessed the functional ability of patients. From the statistical analysis, it appears that there is no linear correlation between the DoPRAQ-16 scales and the dimensions of the SF-36 Health Survey, except for the scale of negative emotions and the dimension of Physical Functioning. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis H test was performed to investigate the existence of statistically significant differences between the categories of duration of the relationship with the doctor to Physical Functioning, Physical Role, Emotional Role, and Social Functioning. The test was significant (p<0.05) for the dimensions of Body Role and Social Functioning.

Conclusions: Patients with long term relationship with the doctor have better health quality in the dimension of Physical Role and Social Functioning compared to people whose relationship with the doctor lasts fewer years.