Organizational dimensions of relationship-centered care. Theory, evidence, and practice.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2006

Abstract

Four domains of relationship have been highlighted as the cornerstones of relationship-centered health care. Of these, clinician-patient relationships have been most thoroughly studied, with a rich empirical literature illuminating significant linkages between clinician-patient relationship quality and a wide range of outcomes. This paper explores the realm of clinician-colleague relationships, which we define to include the full array of relationships among clinicians, staff, and administrators in health care organizations. Building on a stream of relevant theories and empirical literature that have emerged over the past decade, we synthesize available evidence on the role of organizational culture and relationships in shaping outcomes, and posit a model of relationship-centered organizations. We conclude that turning attention to relationship-centered theory and practice in health care holds promise for advancing care to a new level, with breakthroughs in quality of care, quality of life for those who provide it, and organizational performance.

Volume

21 Suppl 1

First Page

9

Last Page

15

ISSN

1525-1497

Disciplines

Family Medicine | Internal Medicine

PubMedID

16405711

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership, Department of Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine Faculty

Document Type

Article

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