The Interpretive Model aims for the physician to be a form of “counselor” and help their patient understand what their patients values/wants are and help them select the medical interventions that best match those goals. In this model, the physician engages in active conversation to reconstruct the goals, aspirations and characteristics of the patient. The physician has the goal of providing all the relevant information to the patient and helping them select the intervention that best match the values the patient has described. This model assumes that the patient may not always know what their values are in the situation, and so the physician must work with them to help realize and establish these values for them be carried out in the medical intervention. The physician must not simply choose for the patient, but work hand-in-hand to find the medical intervention that help the patient achieve their desired outcome and goals.
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 informative model would discuss with the patient what their future goals are, such as a quick discharge from the hospital or long-term stability, and provide all relevant information about the medications available and how they play a role in helping the patient reach that goal. The physician would inform the patient on what medication they think best matches the desired outcome of the patient, and the patient would come to a decision using all of the provided information.
Pros:
- The interpretive model allows for active discussion between the physician and patient to determine the best medical intervention. This allows for the physician to share both their expertise and maintain an empathetic approach while working with a patient.
- The patient may be confused on how each treatment option will fit into their future goals, but can come to an understanding after discussing with their physician.
Cons:
- Physicians may unwittingly impose their own values onto the patient while believing they are following the patients requests.
- The physician may be wasting time by focusing on future goals and values that are not extremely pertinent to the situation and do not directly apply to the patient’s decision.
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