The Deliberative Model has the physician aim to help their patient determine the best health related values that can be applied to the medical scenario and which health values are present in their available treatment options. In this model, the physician must identify and establish what health related values are prevalent in their patient’s situation, and what values are beyond the scope of their professional relationship, such as political and social values. The physician can then provide their recommendation to the patient on what values they should pursue and what medical intervention allows them to accomplish these values. The patient may not always agree with the physicians opinions, which the physician can judge and discuss, but they ultimately leave the decision for the patient to make.
Example: An individual has just been diagnosed with a treatable heart disease and has a wide range of options available to help treat his condition. The physician using the deliberative model would determine what health related values, such as survival risk and side-effects, are prevalent in the situation and how they play a role in each of the treatment options. The physician would then inform and discuss with the patient what values are most important and allow the patient to chose the treatment option that they believe embodies their health-related values.
Pros:
- The deliberative model empowers the patient to not only be informed, but have a self-understanding of their situation and treatment options so they can use their autonomy to its full extent.
- The physician does not only inform the patient, but can actively engage and provide recommendations to use their knowledge in a way that benefits the patient.
Cons:
- It is likely that the values a physician considers to be most important will conflict with the values of other physicians or patients. This means a physician’s recommended treatment can vary from physician to physician.
- Patients may see this method as a waste of time as they do not want to engage in moral deliberations, but receive instruction on how to receive the quickest, most efficient treatment.
References:
E. J. Emanuel and L. L. Emanuel. “Four Models of the Physician-Patient Relationship”. April 22, 1992. JAMA. https://medicinainternaucv.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/cuatro-modelos-de-relacic3b3n-m-p.pdf
“Provider-Patient Relationship”. University of Missouri, School of Medicine. https://medicine.missouri.edu/centers-institutes-labs/health-ethics/faq/provider-patient-relationship