When a doctor becomes a patient, the unique expectations and behaviours in a disease: preliminary report

Abstract

Descriptions and interpretations of cases in which a doctor becomes a patient are rather marginal in the Polish and Western medical literature. Still, analysis of doctors’ behaviours when they become patients themselves seems interesting. The available research results suggest that doctors find it difficult to adopt the role of a patient and very often delay the process of diagnosis and therapy. A substantial number of them treat themselves and have problems with following therapeutic advice. There are particular features which make doctors demanding or even tough when placed in the role of a patient. Doctors often select ‘partners’ in therapy among their colleagues, expect ‘individual therapy’ and ‘special’ treatment (a longer appointment, consultation after regular working hours etc.). The problem of ‘doctors in sickness’ has been addressed by professional organisations. The British General Medical Council suggests that due to potential risk for one’s patients’ and one’s own health, an ill doctor should consult his/her highly qualified colleague and follow the advice. Moreover, he/she is advised to consult a GP who is not a member of their family in order to guarantee independent and objective medical care. Similar solutions have been adopted by medical organisations from other countries.

The experiences and challenges of nurses who become patients in a hospital setting: A scoping review of the literature

“…This phenomenon is also reported in the medical literature, where several studies have reported that doctors who treat doctor‐patients may also experience difficulties negotiating and getting cooperation from doctor‐patients (Fox et al, 2009, 2010; Tarkowski et al, 2016). It has been suggested that doctor‐patients often ignore their treating doctor's advice, negotiate treatment plans with their treating doctors and expect individual therapy (Fox et al, 2009, 2010; Tarkowski et al, 2016), which can be challenging for treating doctors. Although no studies to date indicate that nurse‐patients ignore their caregiver's advice or are more likely to negotiate their treatment with their carers, it is possible that this may occur with some nurse‐patients too.…”

“…Although no studies have directly reported caregivers experiences while caring for nurse-patients, two publications on nurse-patient experiences suggest that some caregivers may hold the stereotype that nurses can be demanding patients, expecting to receive a high standard of care quality and cause additional stress when caring for nursepatients (Anonymous, 2013;Duke & Connor, 2008). This phenomenon is also reported in the medical literature, where several studies have reported that doctors who treat doctor-patients may also experience difficulties negotiating and getting cooperation from doctor-patients (Fox et al, 2009(Fox et al, , 2010Tarkowski et al, 2016). It has been suggested…”

“…that doctor-patients often ignore their treating doctor's advice, negotiate treatment plans with their treating doctors and expect individual therapy (Fox et al, 2009(Fox et al, , 2010Tarkowski et al, 2016), which can be challenging for treating doctors. Although no studies to date indicate that nurse-patients ignore their caregiver's advice or are more likely to negotiate their treatment with their carers, it is possible that this may occur with some nurse-patients too.…”