The typology of the relationship between physicians who had history of medical malpractice lawsuit and patient: a participant observation

Doctor-patient relationship model is one of the determinant factors that can prompt patients to file a lawsuit against doctor. The study aimed to determine the relationship models between physicians who had history of medical malpractice lawsuit and patients. In this qualitative study data collection conducted by participant observation method, and the researcher referred to the doctor as a patient. She noted and analyzed the results of her observations after leaving the office. Three categories of doctor-patient relationship were identified: first, medical office as a small business enterprise with physician/tradesman-patient/customer relationship; second, medical office as a small palace with physician/Bourgeois man- high class patient relationship; third, medical office as a government office whit physician/manager-patient/client relationship. The findings of this study showed that the relationship between physicians who had history of medical malpractice lawsuit and patients is based on financial interests and authority that can leads patient to make a medical malpractice lawsuit against doctor.