Table 7 Theme 5 doctor/patient relationship

Urban background

• “It is important to be able to build solid trusting relations with patients as life and work are more closely linked in small communities as friends may also be patients.”

• “Working in a rural community means privacy concerns are more palpable than if the doctor was working in the city.”

• “It is highly important that the doctor presents him/herself in a trusting, helpful and knowledgeable manner in order to gain the respect and trust of community members.”

Rural background

• “It is likely that if a patient walks into his office, there would be no need for introductions to be exchanged. However, a small slip of the tongue could lead to a major confidentiality issue which in turn could lessen a communities faith in the doctor.”

• “Rural doctors have a deeper understanding of what their patients do and why their health is important, as a result they are better equipped to treat them.”

• “Provides opportunity to see patients from the beginning to the end of their treatments, forming bonds with the community members and gaining respect and satisfaction.”