The Influence of Patients Relatives on Physicians Treatment Plan : A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Clinical decision making is influenced by multiple factors beyond medical evidence , including interactions with patients family members. Family involvement can provide valuable support for patient care; however, excessive interference may affect physicians judgment, delay treatment, and create ethical and communication challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived impact of patient’s families on physicians’ treatment planning and clinical decision making  Aim :To evaluate the influence of patient relatives on physicians treatment planning and clinical decision-making and to identify factors associated with this influence. Methods: A cross-sectional study questionnaire-based study was conducted among 212 physicians from different medical specialties and experience levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants characteristics and survey responses . internal consistency was assessed using (Cronbach's α = 0.821) . Since the composite impact score was not normally distributed, non-parametric tests(Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H) were used to compare perceptions according to gender and years of professional experience. Result: Physicians strongly agreed that family cooperation enhances treatment success, while family interference was perceived to contribute to treatment delay . Moderate agreement was observed regarding psychological stress and ethical dilemmas associated with family involvement. Significant positive correlations were identified between psychological stress and family threats, treatment plan modifications and urgency adjustments, and family objections and treatment simplification. No statistically significant differences were found in the overall perceived family impact according to gender or years. Conclusion: Patients families play a substantial role in physicians clinical practice, with both supportive and disruptive effects. Although family cooperation positively contributes to treatment success, excessive interference may increase psychological pressure and complicate clinical decision making . These findings highlight the importance of strengthening physician family communication, promoting family education, and establishing clear professional boundaries to optimize patient care while preserving clinical autonomy.