The relationship that arises between the doctor and his patient has a specific character. The reason for this is that these contacts are based on information and issues directly related to the intimacy and dignity of the sick person seeking help. The doctor is seen as a specialist who has the knowledge to solve the problem as it affects the patient. From this perspective, the relationship becomes imbalanced, i.e. at a certain point, the patient has to trust the doctor and rely on his knowledge and experience, expecting both help and respect for his dignity. Hence, the idea of patient rights was born. Recent years have seen the development of a new phenomenon in the doctor-patient relationship, namely, the approach of both parties starting to be based on a partnership in the therapeutic relationship. However, this is largely an initiative of the medical community, in response to the growing tendency among patients to treat the doctor as a specialist in certain services. This gives rise to situations in which the patient makes demands of the doctor, expecting a certain outcome - and in the absence of this, a problem of growing aggression.

From a legal point of view

The most important piece of legislation from this perspective is the Law on the Medical Profession. Passed 20 years ago, it is of fundamental importance in both a legal, medical and social context. A fundamental issue highlighted is the form of contact between the doctor and the patient, as well as indicating the principles that should guide the doctor in practising his or her profession.

First of all, there is the duty to provide first aid in a situation that poses a risk to the patient's life or health. Another principle relates to theform in which the information should be provided, which should be accessible and adapted to the patient's level of knowledge, or formulated in such a way that the patient understands it. Therapeutic privilege is another issue that is raised in the context of the rules of medical practice, which allows the doctor not to provide full information to the patient - but this applies to specific situations. The patient 's consent is an absolute principle according to which the doctor should perform his or her work - the consent given by the patient is a form of legalisation of the therapeutic and treatment decisions taken. The law in question also regulates other fundamental aspects, such as the possibility of reviewing the legality of medical procedures performed without the patient's consent, the relationship between the healthcare provider and the legal representative (in the case of minors), the conscience clause, medical confidentiality or the patient's right to respect for intimacy and dignity during diagnostic, medical and therapeutic procedures.

Patient aggression

What is aggression? This is a fundamental question which is the starting point for considering aggressive behaviour in patients.

As it turns out, there is no single definition that gives an exhaustive description of such a condition or behaviour. There are theories that speak of a genetic basis for aggressive behaviour, which is thought to have a dominant influence on impulsive actions. Other theories refer to social functioning, i.e. the acquisition of certain skills in dealing with other people - both positive and negative skills.

From yet another point of view, the causes of aggression are attributed to psychoactive substances and their effects on the human body, which is unfortunately not an uncommon situation.

Furthermore, it is also worth considering the aspect of aggressive behaviour as one that is intended to bring a tangible benefit or contribute to the achievement of a specific goal.

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However, a patient's anger should not be clearly equated with aggression, as these are two different states, the basis of which may also vary. Unlike anger, which is an expression of negative experiences, aggression is a deliberate behaviour aimed at taking dominance over another person.