Graduates' preparedness for the changing doctor-patient relationship: a qualitative study.

This study offers a conceptual advance by identifying how the doctor-patient relationship is changing particularly around the 'patient-as-knowledge-source' dimension. On the whole ECD's are well-prepared for working in the changing doctor-patient relationship with the exception of patient empowerment skills. Further research is now needed to provide an in depth understanding of patient empowerment that is shared amongst key stakeholders (particularly the patient perspective) and to underpin the design of educational interventions appropriate to career stage.