Johanna Shapiro, PhD
In recent years, there has been considerable discussion and interest in the therapeutic and psychological importance of the physician-patient relationship. Medical literature has often discussed the subject of physician ability to relate optimally and appropriately to patients. Many writers have cited a failure of post-Flexnerian physicians to develop adequate interpersonal skills in patient care Similarly, authors have cited the consequences of failure to communicate adequately and appropriately in the physician-patient encounter: deterioration in humanistic qualities of patient care, decreased patient satisfaction, and decreased patient compliance.