The modern physician-patient relationship: influence of bioethics principle of autonomy

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the influence of the bioethical reference point on the doctor-patient relationship, the effects of the Internet on this autonomy and the importance of the relationship vis-à-vis technological advance. Method: A study with a descriptive and exploratory technique, utilizing a quantitative and qualitative approach. Findings: Ten per cent consider the appearance of the reference point of autonomy to be the most important factor in the changes in the relationship; 96% consider the introduction of autonomy important or very important, making the relationship more complex (84%); and 77% consider that it has been a great advance for the patient. Fifty-six per cent affirmed that the patient takes information obtained on the Internet to the doctor's office, 85% that this attitude increases the patient's autonomy, and 32.2% that it interferes with the doctor's autonomy. Conclusion: The bioethical reference point of autonomy was a great advance for the patient and has made the relationship more complex; the Internet increases the patient's autonomy and may improve the relationship and increase his or her participation in decision making.