TY - JOUR T1 - Up close and personal? JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 483 LP - 484 VL - 56 IS - 528 AU - George Freeman Y1 - 2006/07/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/56/528/483.abstract N2 - Three papers in this month's Journal help us understand more about relationship continuity in today's practice.Buszewicz et al selected 20 patients from 173 video-recorded consultations because their problems were particularly high in psychological content. They were interviewed about their experience to find out what aspects of the encounter were particularly helpful (or not).1 The authors conclude that ‘the doctor–patient relationship was central to all patients' experience … genuine interest and empathy, within a continuing relationship, was highly valued.’ These interviews suggest how the relationship actually works in a consultation and tell us how much it is worth our while to take the trouble to allocate time, skill and emotional effort, as well as the teamwork involved in allowing this to happen. The working of a therapeutic relationship with a known and trusted doctor is explored further in a recent Scandinavian paper.2 They specify a sense of security, based on four key aspects: feelings of coherence, confidence in care, a trusting relationship and accessibility.In another cross-sectional qualitative study, using patient focus groups, Alazri et al show us how patients with diabetes value good relationships particularly with primary care doctors and nurses, but also with diabetic specialists.3 They remind us of a downside of ongoing relationships (‘familiarity breeds contempt’?) — that the usual practitioner may sometimes be too slow to notice change and make a new diagnosis of diabetes. This important issue has been reported before (as they quote) but it is hard to quantify and it may be indicative of patients continuing to see … ER -