Ethics of the Doctor-Patient Relationship

Abstract

    This paper focuses on the doctor-patient relationship as a measure of ethical behavior by the physician, emphasis is placed on the need of the physician to respect the autonomy of the patient as person, thus to limit the paternalism inherent in the physician's position, and to re-enforce this with compassion.  Philosophers and physicians alike tend to discuss the physician-patient relationship in terms of physician privilege and patient autonomy, stressing the duty of the physician to respect the autonomy and the variously elaborated rights of the patient, finally, An emphasis on understanding and facilitating agreement between physician and patient may benefit outcomes in primary care  ability to enable patients in self-care, and concordance between the patient and physician.