The Treatment Of Patient Physician Relationship - 987 Words

Introduction: Since the last two decades, there have been several changes in the patient-physician relationship. The patient’s role in decision making was very limited in the early 90’s. But with the increasing use of internet the role of patient has taken a different shape altogether. The model or mode of treatment which was previously dominated by the physicians’ intuitions and experiences has over the period of time changed dramatically. Based on the level of patient and physician participation in the process of making critical decision, four models have been painted and practiced. The Paternalistic Model: This model is also known as the priestly model. This model ensures that the patients receive weekly or bi-weekly news feeds that†¦show more content†¦The Informative Model: This is a more patient oriented model wherein the physician provides the patient with all the information that is relevant to his/her prevalent conditions. This includes, the state or criticality of the ailment, the nature or mode of diagnosis, the treatment or therapy recommended, the duration required for recovery, the cost involved in the treatment, the hazard or risks, if any. The physician basically gives a list of interventions from which the patient selects the intervention he/she feels worth taking. The informative model has a distinct separation between fact and values. The patient’s interest or values are well-noted and a vivid description on the facts is provided to them. It is the physician’s responsibility to deliver all the facts and patients’ to inform the value. Although the physician is the expert, the final control is in the hands of the patients. The physician needs to maintain sincerity while delivering the facts, competence in his area of expertise and approach other skilled professional when in doubt or lack of information. Interpretive Model: Like the Informative Model, in this model too, the primary objective is to provide relevant facts such as status of ailment, probability of recovery, possible interventions, their side-effects or benefits. However, apart from this the physician has an added role to play. The physician needs to understand the values of the patient and facilitate the patient in mapping his/her