This paper was commissioned by The King’s Fund to inform the panel of the Inquiry into the Quality of General Practice in England. The views expressed are those of the authors and not of
the panel. and There is evidence that a good-quality therapeutic relationship improves both patient satisfaction and professional fulfilment, saves time, and increases compliance with prescribed medication. Yet the subtle and intangible elements that underpin a strong therapeutic relationship are difficult to define and to measure. To inform its work, the Inquiry into the ...