Pop up Chat with Dr. Pat: Sharing in the patient-physician relationship

The patient-physician relationship seems to be taking a hit during the pandemic.  Tension, uncertainty, mistrust, disrespect and more are happening during the pandemic.  What about informed consent?

How do we know when patient and doctor are relating well enough to be safe and effective with their decisions?  How might each relate their certainty and uncertainty about information that should be and is shared?  How and when do they acknowledge and/ or clarify understandings and misunderstandings?  How might each one know when to withhold disruptive information (usually for later sharing) due to the  temporary or permanent vulnerability/suffering of the other person (which usually would abate, allowing the sharing of the withheld information)?

Physicianship is striving to be and becoming:

     A professional who is competent and technically proficient

     A member and citizen of  a respected profession

     A leader of character who inspires, motivates and communicates
    
     A servant of patients and society

     A warrior for humanity, safety and teamwork