It can often be confusing to determine what model is the one that most accurately describes your physician-patient relationship, but there are a few key factors that can help enlighten you. Below is a table that helps further separate the groups into more distinct characteristics.

One major question that the physician should ask themselves is how do they value a patient’s autonomy? Is autonomy simply the ability to consent to a choice or is it more than that and developing a self-understanding/development? If you lean more towards a patient simply saying yes or no to a choice presented by a doctor, then the paternalistic model probably fits your definition, but if you believe that autonomy goes beyond that to self-improvement, then the interpretive or deliberative model is best for you.

Another aspect to consider is what the physician believes they’re obligation to the patient is. Does the physician believe that they only have the obligation to provide relevant information? If so, then the physician fits the informative model. Does the physician believe they have the obligation to prioritize the patient’s health above all else? If yes, then that physician follows the paternalistic model. Does the physician believe that they are obligated to deliberate with the patient and judge what health care values are most important? If you agree, then that fits the deliberative model. Does the physician believe its important that they understand the patients narrative story and interpret what intervention best fits? If so, then that is following the interpretive model.

Beyond autonomy and obligation there are many other factors that can fit these models. Sometimes, one model may be better suited than the others for a particular situation. For example, in an emergency scenario where a patient is unconscious or cannot make informed consent, a paternalistic approach may be necessary for the physician to make quick decisions for the patient’s survival. Even if you determine that one model fits you better than the others, it shouldn’t be too surprising that your methods may sometimes change depending on the situation.

Click on the link below to take a survey to find what method best suits you!

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