Education as an ethical challenge in the doctor-patient relationship

Abstract

The doctor-patient relationship, regulated by a number of principles derived from general human ethics and medical ethics, has undergone transformations over the centuries and a lot has changed since Hippocrates described in his work “Epidemiae librum I” three simple components of this relationship. Since the 70s of the last century, after the concept of patient's autonomy has become a permanent fixture in medicine, we can talk about a partnership with the patient's active role in making diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. In the decision-making process, knowledge, skills and experience are essential. The doctor is obliged to have current medical knowledge and in the case of pain medicine, this obligation becomes particularly important due to the fact that every patient has the right to pain treatment. Therefore, the question arises, what kind of education and what level of knowledge about pain treatment should be provided to every physician, regardless of specialty? We also need to look at the other side of the relationship. Does the patient have any responsibilities or ethical obligations related to education? A relatively new, interdisciplinary field of health literacy and health education is gaining in importance when making diagnostic and therapeutic decisions regarding patients with various chronic pain syndromes. These are special health situations that require good communication with the patient, defining his expectations and analyzing various aspects of treatment. The study attempts to find answers to the questions, after analyzing historical and current records in the field of medical ethics and selected legal provisions.