Caring = healing

Does it matter if you like your doctor? Research from Stanford suggests that it does.

In one study, patients received a pinprick test, like the ones you get when you are tested for allergies. One group of patients was then examined by a doctor who was silent and stern.  Another group was examined by a doctor who reassured them, “From this point forward, your allergic reaction will start to diminish, and your rash and irritation will go away.”

Just this one statement of reassurance led patients to report that their rash was less itchy. The physician didn’t provide any kind of treatment; the words alone did the job.

In a similar study, patients were again given a histamine pinprick.  One group got a warm, friendly doctor who was confident and worked in a clean office.  Another group got a slob in a messy office who made hardly any eye contact and seemed unsure of himself/herself.

All patients were given a placebo skin lotion. Patients with the warm, confident doctor reported that the lotion decreased their itching. The patients with the less engaging doctor reported no change.

As the authors conclude in their New York Times column, “To really help people flourish, health care works better when it includes caring.”