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Patient-centered medicine: a professional evolution

Article Abstract:

The medical profession is slowly moving toward a patient-centered focus. Patient-centered medicine is health care that is responsive to the patient's wishes. It does not involve giving up control to the patient but treating the patient-physician relationship as a contractual agreement between consenting parties. Many doctors are disclosing much more information to patients now than was done in the past. Patient-centered medicine is also codified into law as was done in 1989 when the Patient Self-Determination Act was passed. Medical schools are incorporating courses on the psychosocial aspects of medicine, and in some health care settings, consumers are involved in rating services. Physicians involved in researching different treatments often evaluate a patient's quality of life in addition to any physical improvements. There is evidence that patients who are involved in their own health care have better outcomes and are less likely to sue their doctors for malpractice.

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Regaining the initiative: forging a new model of the patient-physician relationship

Article Abstract:

A new model for the physician-patient relationship should be based on a cooperative relationship in which the physician educates the patient about health care resources and both agree that the patient makes the final decision. The nature of the physician-patient relationship has changed from a paternalistic one to one of cooperation between equals. The rise of managed care programs has affected the physician-patient relationship because they force doctors to consider societal needs as well as the needs of an individual patient. Patients and physicians alike must remain aware of the needs of society. The push to generate more primary care physicians will enhance this model of the physician-patient relationship, because these physicians can play an important role in educating patients.

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Plan B and the politics of doubt

Article Abstract:

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the over-the-counter (OTC) sales of the emergency contraceptive Plan B on August 24, 2006. Plan B's pharmacologic and clinical properties, the biology of hormonal contraception and the risk factors are discussed.

United States, Government regulation, Licensing, certification and accreditation, Plan B (Contraceptive), United States. Food and Drug Administration, Nonprescription drugs

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