How Applicable are Western Models of Patient-Physician Relationship in Asia

Changing Patient-Physician Relationship in Contemporary Japan

Datos Bibliográficos

ID20482961
AutoresHirono Ishikawa (0000-0003-1458-6957, Teikyo University, autor de correspondencia), Yoshihiko Yamazaki (0000-0002-0549-6346, RMIT University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2005
Volumen14
Número1
Páginas84-93
Fecha de publicación2005-11-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Japanese Sociology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0918-7545 • E-ISSN: 1475-6781
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1475-6781.2005.00070.x
OpenAlexW2048589837
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas7
Referencias citadas30

The social and political environments surrounding patient-physician relationship have been changing in Japan for the last few decades. This paper aims to illustrate social and cultural factors that underlie current situations and problems of patient-physician relationship in Japan through a comparison with those in western countries, and to consider how mutual participation model of patient-physician relationship could be applied and fostered in Japan as well as other Asian cultures. Four major sociocultural factors are discussed in relation to the patient-physician relationship in Japan: (1) individualism versus collectivism; (2) low context versus high context; (3) femininity versus masculinity; and (4) Christianity versus Confucianism. Two key issues in discussing the mutual participation model of patient-physician relationship in Japan have emerged; the family and the communication style. The patient autonomy in Japan should be considered within the context of the triadic relationship of patient, family, and physician. Also, since the communication style might differ between Japan and western countries, communication training programs and interventions for medical professionals as well as for patients should be tailored in a culturally appropriate way in order to improve the communication in medical encounters and to achieve the mutual participation. Beyond mere advocacy of the patient autonomy, the mutual participation model of patient-physician relationship should be pursued within our social and cultural context to be truly fruitful for patients and physicians in Japan

Autonomy · Collectivism · Doctor–patient relationship · Family medicine · Individualism · Political science · Psychological intervention · Social environment · Social science · Sociocultural evolution · Sociology · Empathy and Medical Education · History · Law · Medicine · Nursing · Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare · Psychology · Social Psychology