Relational aspects and doctor’s emotions in medical communication

The aim of the paper is to present a study on interpersonal relationship in doctor-patient communication. We shall present some preliminary results of a research on doctor-patient relationship as a part of a project on antibiotic resistance. Our theoretical framework which originates from contributions of Human Ethology and Evolutionary-Cognitive theories allows us to analyse interpersonal relationship’s dynamics and different relational styles in doctor-patient communication. The aim of our research is to study which aspects of doctor-patient relationship may affect the physician’s practice such as an improper antibiotic prescription through role-plays between real doctors and simulated patient. The results suggest that the features of relationship affect both doctor’s communication style and consultation’s outcomes such as an improper antibiotic prescription which also emerges from the analysis of doctors’ emotions.