Physican-Patient relationship

The four models of the Physician-Patient relationship present situations that could occur between a physician and his or her patient. Four scenarios are discussed; each with its own set of obligations and preferences. Of the four relationships, the interpretive model best embodies the ethical rights of mankind.
The paternalistic model allows the physician to control the patient. The physician is given the power to force his or her own beliefs on the patient. The physician is almost like a tyrant; in essence having the ability to give or take life based on personal whim or knowledge. The informative model puts too much pressure on the patient. All the information that the informant gives is all but going to relieve the patient. The patient’s thoughts will be no doubt be in total chaos. If a physician were to inform a patient of the belligerent effects of the disease and give them a short life expectancy, there would be a good chance that the patient would have pessimistic thoughts. Most people would have trouble making sound judgments when their life is on the line. The informative model places too much burden on the patient. Although there is a physician who advises the patient, the patient is still in a difficult position. The patient has to make a decision on top of sorting out her thoughts and memories. The patient is not in a position to make a decision that may be both reasonable and realistic.
On the other hand, the interpretive model splits the decision between the patient and physician. The patient is first informed, which is one of the essentials a physician should do in treating a patient. The patient then shares his or her values and beliefs about everyday life. The physician then interprets how the patient would want to be treated if he or she had been perfectly healthy. The interpretive model allows the patient’s input to be represented. The patient is able to give his or her opinion on the matter at hand. In addition, he or she will not be burdened with the thought of choosing between life and death. The interpretive model provides the best way a patient and physician can work together as opposed to one being burdened with the responsibility of making the entire decision. Although ultimately the physician is the one who makes the final decision, the patient’s input is included. This is the only model where the patient’s input is not polluted by thought of dying, but taken from prior decisions and actions.

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