Consumerism, patient empowerment and changing clinical work--patient awareness and treatment demands on the rise
Toiviainen, H.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 127(8): 777-783
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 21568105 Document Number: 651620
Consumerism refers to the accentuation of a patient's status and freedom of choice within the health care. Increasing patient knowledge, empowerment and demands stand out in the medical practice. Patients seek for self-diagnosis before attending the consultation. Regarding the treatment relationship, one doctor out of five experiences the situation positive and two out of five negative. The patients influence prescription decisions. Private doctors have a more positive attitude to patients' consumer role than those working within the public sector.