A Reconstruction Of The Modern Physician-Patient Relationship From The Perspective Of Care Ethics

Based on the current situation of the physician-patient relationship in the modern society,the article explores the problems existing in the interaction between doctors and patients and the possible paths of constructing mutual trust between them.On the basis of collating and analyzing the periodical literature and major works of bioethics at home and abroad,this paper reflects on the problems existing in the two traditional models of the physician-patient relationship.It is pointed out that the traditional models did not emphasize the two-way interaction between doctors and patients.The individualistic clinical ethical thinking behind them is more detrimental to the mutual trust between doctors and patients.It is necessary to transform the traditional models of physician-patient relationship and the dichotomous ethical thinking in the development of medical practice and bioethics.Based on existing research,this paper suggests that care ethics can serve as an ethical basis for physician-patient relationships.Care ethicists object to principles and norms,but highlight the importance of specific situations,this view will contribute to the establishment of long-term mutual trust between doctors and patients.Based on the retrieval and analysis of the literature on physician-patient relationship in the international journals of bioethics in the past decade,this paper concludes that the physician-patient relationship model will certainly shift to the direction of "shared medical decision-making"."Shared decision-making model" holds that medical decision-making is a process in which doctors and patients should participate together.It conforms to the concept of care ethics and requires doctors to apply “care” specifically in clinical practice.However,"shared decision-making" is still a new concept in China,and how to incorporate it into clinical practice is the main topic discussed by current scholars.In order to explore this issue,this paper draws on the advanced experience of some countries and regions that have successfully practiced the shared decision-making and then focuses on the current medical practice in China.Through case study,it is pointed out that the physician-patient interaction mode of "family support groups" in Taiwan is a good example for future clinical practice.Meanwhile,China’s current and future medical reform initiatives will also provide a favorable institutional environment for the implementation of shared decision-making.In terms of family members’ participation in decision-making,this paper puts forward the preliminary idea of constructing the "physician-patient responsibility sharing system".Discussion from the perspective of care ethics will provide a feasible way to solve the problem of physician-patient relationship.The quality of healthcare will be improved when doctors apply "care" in the practice of shared decision making.In the future,the ongoing discussion of models of physician-patient relationship and clinical ethical thinking will promote a good relationship between doctors and patients with authentic trust and dependence.