Medical Consultations in the Context of the Physician-Patient Relationship

Abstract

There is widespread agreement that the physician-patient relationship is changing and remains in a state of flux. This assertion is incontestable with the proviso that the physician-patient relationship is changing more for some patients and physicians than for others. The traditional paternalistic medical model, characterized by the patient’s trust in and dependency on the physician, has been replaced in many cases by a more equal relationship in which patient autonomy and self-determination is emphasized. While this newer model certainly has many advantages, there are times when patients’ rights and physicians’ responsibilities conflict. When this happens, an adversarial relationship may develop between physician and patient which could negate the cooperative, reciprocal, mutual, voluntary, and goal-oriented engagement essential for both parties.