Advocacy of a Mutual Participation Model that Values Doctor-patient Communication

Abstract

With the increase in chronic diseases and the assertion of consumerism by patients, the “mutual participation model” has recently been advocated. This model has changed the traditional paternalistic doctor-patient relationship to a doctorpatient alliance in which doctors share information with patients to encourage their active participation in the treatment process. The gap between the doctor's and the patient's points of view could be bridged. Patient participation would be promoted by communication and information disclosure in the mutual participation model. We should clarify the effects of communication on both doctors and patients through empirical studies, which would also contribute to the improvement of medical education for communication skills.