The foundations of physician-patient communication in conditions of digitalization

Abstract

The article presents analysis of key aspects of patient-oriented approach to medical care support in conditions of wide prevalence of digital and telecommunication technologies in modern society. The theoretical reconstruction of main models of "doctor-patient" communication presented in scientific publications is made. The analysis of components of existential landscape of medical communication, (the leading ones are trust and autonomy of patient's personality) was carried out. It is established that purpose of physician-patient interaction in conditions of e-health care is defined as diagnosis and issue of medical report but not follow-up recovery. The conclusion was made about antinomy of digital health care which consists in fact that active introduction of digital technologies into modern medicine, on one hand, serves as demonstration of power of man and his superiority over his own nature. On the other hand, individual is becoming more and more objectified and becomes vulnerable to challenges of biomedical and digital technologies. All this results in increasing of existential risks for patients and physicians associated with crisis of trust and human dignity. The study is targeted to developing of scientific discussion about problems and perspectives of communication between doctors and patients in realities of modern digital society.