Four Models of the Physician-Patient Relationship

The relationship between a doctor and a patient serves as a basis for any medical treatment. It creates a framework that establishes rules, responsibilities, and expectations.

Over the years, medical experts have devised four distinct models of the physician-patient relationship. Some of them give patients more freedom, while others put doctors in charge. Read this article to learn what each one of them entails.

The Deliberative Model

With this tactic, the physician is trying to assist a patient by assessing and presenting different treatment options. The medical expert should also take into account the patient’s preferences without taking into account any political, social, or cultural bias.

In other words, a medical expert casts a wide net, considering every possible treatment option. After creating a list of potential solutions, a physician will present it to the patient, prioritizing the ones that have the highest success rates and minimal side effects.

Advantages

• The best thing about this model is that it gives patients much more power. A patient will have all the relevant information before making a decision, increasing the odds of successful treatment. With this model, a person doesn’t have to hire a patient advocate to represent them.
• Aside from breaking down the most important information, a doctor should have an active role. The expert should recommend the best possible treatment according to their knowledge and current medical practice.

Disadvantages 

• Despite trying to be objective, many physicians will exhibit personal bias. They might butt heads with a patient, and the recommended therapy can significantly vary from doctor to doctor.
• Some patients don’t necessarily want to be empowered. They want to receive a suggestion from a doctor without having an active role. Furthermore, they would prefer focusing on quick recovery rather than having to go through all these additional hoops.

The Informative Model

We often refer to the informative model as the engineering or scientific approach. Similar to the previous methodology, it puts power in the hands of a patient. A doctor will give a person all the necessary information about their condition, potential treatments, side effects, and other requirements. 

Unlike the deliberative model, the informative approach gives patients much more freedom. In other words, with the deliberative model, a doctor gives recommendations and guides a patient, which isn’t necessarily the case with the informative model. The informative model is much better for proficient patients who don’t need as much doctor’s assistance. 

Advantages

• When using the informative model, a physician will give a patient complete information about their condition. That way, a patient can make the best decision for themselves with minimal outside interference. 
• This model gives a person full autonomy. A person won’t even have to listen to a doctor’s recommendations. Instead, they can choose a treatment that is in accordance with their personal preferences, religion, culture, and other values.

Disadvantages 

• Despite certain advantages, the informative model doesn’t build on the idea of a perfect doctor-patient rapport. When patients only go with plain information, they might not understand the deeper concept behind the data. For example, they won’t benefit as much from a doctor’s expertise and experience.
• Some patients might not know what to prioritize in these situations. As a result, many people get overwhelmed with this methodology. They’re forced into a situation that feels uncomfortable and potentially damaging to their health. 

The Interpretive Model

With the interpretive model, physicians have a much more active role. They need to consult a patient about their values and treatment goals. After that, they’ll will create a list of suggestions that would match these objectives. A doctor needs to talk actively to a person to understand their requirements and background better.

More importantly, when using the interpretative model, a physician is trying to figure out a patient’s values even if a person isn’t aware of them. That way, a medical expert can provide a much more customized treatment plan suitable for that particular individual.

Advantages

• This approach is much more proactive. It helps find the best possible solution for a patient according to their requirements. Furthermore, unlike some other models, it maximizes a doctor’s experience and expertise.
• The interpretative model removes all the uncertainties, doubts, and fears a patient might have. The methodology is perfect for patients who have never suffered from a similar ailment and want to prioritize their well-being above everything else.

Disadvantages 

• In some cases, doctors subconsciously impose their own preferences, believing they’re serving the patients.
• A physician might waste time by prioritizing values and goals that aren’t that relevant to the patient’s current requirements and particular situation. 

The Paternalistic Model

The paternalistic model is also known as the priestly or parental model. In this particular case, a doctor takes reign of the entire process. The expert analyzes the situation and recommends the ideal treatment for a person. Unlike other models, a doctor doesn’t have to provide as much information.

In this particular situation, it is presumed that a doctor and patient share similar values. Both of them are looking for quick recovery while neglecting other factors. Although the paternalistic model takes away decision-making from a patient, it often leads to better outcomes.

Advantages

• The paternalistic model is perfect for emergencies. Instead of having to discuss treatment options with a patient, a physician can make a split-moment decision to save their life.
• Doctors will always have more knowledge and experience than their patients. So, if your main goal is to get healthy quickly, you should focus on this option.

Disadvantages 

• The paternalistic model starts from a false presumption that all doctors and patients share the same goals and values. This isn’t always the case, which is why medical experts often experience pushback from their clients. 
• There are situations where a doctor might deprive a patient of critical medical information. 

Last Thoughts 

Today, patients can choose between four specific relationship models. Each of them has its pros and cons, with some of them giving patients more freedom while others prioritize the doctor’s experience. By reading this article, you should understand which one is the best for you.