Question

Define and discuss the four ethical models of a physician-patient relationship.

Answer 1

physician patient relationship :

The physician patient relationship is the key stone of medical care .

A good relationship between physician and patient provides quality care , information about patients disease to patient and their family members.

Ethical models of physician patient relationship :

The four ethical models of physician patient relationship are

1. The paternalistic/ parental / priestly model
2. The informative /scientific/Engineering/ consumer model
3. The interpretive model
4. Deliberative model

Paternalistic model :

In this the physician acts like guardian and and he should take the decisions for the better outcome of the disease.

Informative model :

Here the patient is informed about disease state and interventions , risks and benefits associated with interventions.

The physician must provide truthful information , and ask them to consult others if they lack in knowledge , skills and equipment.

Interpretive model :

In this model the physician acts like a counsellor , does not judge the patient values instead he helps the patient to understand and use the medical situation.

Along with providing information he need to help the patient in explaining values and use of interventions.

Deliberative model :

In this model the physician acts like teacher , friend engaging the patient in discussion ,that what course of action would be best.