Tag: Doctor patient relationship

At least 30% of antibiotics prescribed in outpatient settings are unnecessary, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The question, 'Why are doctors so quick to prescribe drugs?' is complex, with reasons ranging from patient pressure to systemic issues in modern healthcare.

Studies show that physicians interrupt patients after a median of only 11 seconds [1.4.2]. 'What is ninja medicine?' introduces a patient-centered philosophy aimed at transforming this dynamic by emphasizing subtle skills, deep listening, and building trust to improve healthcare outcomes.

Despite common assumptions, a significant number of physicians admit to informally prescribing for non-patients, including family and friends. This seemingly helpful act, however, raises serious legal and ethical questions about whether a doctor can write a prescription for a non-patient and underscores the crucial importance of a formal patient-physician relationship.

A 2023 systematic review found that the lifetime prevalence of non-recreational prescription medication sharing ranges from 13% to 78%, with many not understanding the significant risks involved. Despite the temptation to use a friend or family member's medication, it is a medically and legally risky practice. This leads to a critical question: Can I tell my doctor I took someone else's prescription?