The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine · 2004 · 175 citations · 2 references
Social SciencesMedical EducationPhilosophyBioethicsEthicsMedical EthicsChinese StudiesPatient-provider RelationshipsPhysician-patient RelationshipProfessionalization Of MedicineConfucian EthicsConfucian PhilosophyEthics Of Physician-patient RelationshipsHistory Of Medical EthicsInformed ConsentPractitioner-patient Relationship
Bioethics is a subject far removed from the Chinese, even from many Chinese medical students and medical professionals. In-depth interviews with eighteen physicians, patients, and family members provided a deeper understanding of bioethical practices in contemporary China, especially with regard to the doctor-patient relationship (DPR) and informed consent. The Chinese model of doctor-family-patient relationship (DFPR), instead of DPR, is taken to reflect Chinese Confucian cultural commitments. An examination of the history of Chinese culture and the profession of medicine in China is used to disclose the deep roots of these commitments. The author predicts that the DFPR model will further develop in China but that it will maintain its Chinese character.
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