The three-body problem
Abstract
The three-body problemAny consultation can in theory involve just two participants, although in practice a third is almost always present, whether in the room or behind the scenes, contributing their own distinct views and expectations to the medical encounter.This shadowy figure might be a patient's family member, friend, or other informal health advisor, whose opinion carries a certain weight, either because it is well informed or, more often, simply because it is trusted.We do not occupy the doctor's seat in splendid isolation either, but in the invisible company of a career's worth of teachers, colleagues, and former patients, ghosts preserved within the professional machine; some days the room can feel pretty crowded.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare
Primary Care and Health Outcomes
Medicine
History
and Philosophy
Publication details
- Journal / source
- British Journal of General Practice
- Volume
- 76
- Issue
- 764
- Pages
- 125–125
- Publication date
- 26 February 2026
- Language
- EN