abstract: Too Hot, Too Cold or Can We Get it Just Right? What Emotional Distance Should Oncologists Keep from their Patients?

abstract (UK)

 Cancer clinicians frequently deal with emotionally challenging situations such as discussing the diagnosis or prognosis and transitions to palliative care with patients and their families. The doctor/patient relationship may be short and intensive or one lasting for many years. Until fairly recently, a formal paternalistic relationship was the norm in medicine; this has now been replaced by a more patient-centred approach. An unintended consequence of the move towards less formal relationships may be the loss of the emotional protection to the doctor.