Over the past decade or two, with increasing reliance on technology for medical and surgical diagnoses, some patients, and physicians as well, have come to consider the physical examination as marginalized. Abraham Verghese, MD, MACP, professor and senior associate chair for the theory and practice of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, Calif., is a leading advocate for a return to “bedside medicine” and the importance of the physical examination. Dr. Verghese has written that “patients and physicians connect through touch and trust” (Health Affairs. 2009;28:1177–1182). Consequently, the gradual tendency to “diagnose by technology” has led to a decreased expectation by patients of a physician’s physical contact with them, thereby making any other type of physical contact perhaps either appreciated or worrisome. The days of Marcus Welby, MD, where hand-holding and a hug were commonplace, are now supplanted by concerns of patients reporting those same gestures as inappropriate contact by a physician. So, where do we stand and what can be made of the propriety of such contact with patients? | ← Previous | | | Next → | Single Page
