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Related Experiment Videos

Power issues in the doctor-patient relationship.

F Goodyear-Smith1, S Buetow

  • 1Division of General Practice & Primary, Health Care, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand. f.goodyear-smith@auckland.ac.nz

Health Care Analysis : HCA : Journal of Health Philosophy and Policy
|March 5, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Doctors and patients both need power in healthcare relationships. Empowering both parties fosters ethical, effective health systems through mutual respect and negotiated care, moving beyond paternalism.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Ethics
  • Sociology of Health

Background:

  • Power dynamics are inherent in all social relationships, including those between doctors and patients.
  • Both doctors and patients require power to fulfill their respective obligations and needs within the healthcare system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of power in the doctor-patient relationship.
  • To advocate for 'adult-adult' relationships to enhance ethical effectiveness in healthcare.
  • To identify strategies for resolving conflicts arising from power imbalances and 'double agency'.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of power dynamics in healthcare.
  • Ethical framework application to doctor-patient interactions.
  • Discussion of negotiated care and conflict resolution strategies.
Keywords:
Professional Patient Relationship

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Main Results:

  • Power itself is neutral; its ethical impact depends on its use.
  • Empowering both doctors and patients promotes autonomy, accountability, fidelity, and humanity.
  • 'Adult-adult' relationships are ethically superior to 'adult-child' dynamics.
  • Negotiated care can resolve conflicts and mitigate paternalism.
  • Acknowledging and considering power issues increases the likelihood of empowerment.

Conclusions:

  • Ethical healthcare systems are maximized by fostering empowered, autonomous 'adult-adult' relationships between doctors and patients.
  • Addressing the complexities of power, including 'double agency,' through mutual acknowledgment and negotiated care is crucial for effective healthcare.
  • Empowerment, while not always achievable, is most likely when all parties recognize and consider power dynamics.