Dokterpasien

Dokterpasien is the Indonesian term for the professional relationship between a doctor and a patient. It encompasses the provision of medical care, communication, and trust that underpins diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. The relationship is guided by ethical principles and legal norms that aim to protect patient welfare, autonomy, and safety.

Key elements include clear and respectful communication, informed consent, confidentiality, and shared decision making. The patient’s values, preferences, and cultural context are considered in care decisions. Continuity of care and access to appropriate services are also important, as is the physician’s duty to avoid harm and to act in the patient's best interest.

Challenges can arise from power imbalances, misunderstandings, language barriers, and time constraints. The rise of digital health and telemedicine introduces new dynamics around privacy, documentation, and accessibility. Cultural expectations and family involvement can shape expectations about disclosure, treatment choices, and the level of information shared with relatives.

Professional standards are set by national medical associations and health authorities, such as the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) and international ethical guidelines. These emphasize informed consent, confidentiality, beneficence, non-maleficence, and accountability. Education and ongoing communication skills training for clinicians, alongside patient education and health literacy initiatives, strengthen the dokterpasien partnership.

The dokterpasien relationship is a central determinant of care quality. When it is collaborative, respectful, and transparent, it supports better clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and trust in the health system.