Lecture Discussion 205

Mark Dixon, PhD, LCSW, Kathleen McNamara, PhD, LCSW,  Chelsea S Arnold, PhD, LCSW    

Family medicine ethical standards require family physicians to understand their patients in a contextual manner. This context can be efficiently described and learned through the life-course model. Principles such as human agency, transitions, development, and social context become integrated into a holistic perspective of the patient. This model also supports shared decision making as a critical tool in clinical practice. The life-course model also promotes values-based living and a deepening relationship with the patient by understanding their value driven behaviors. Understanding the role of lived experience in shaping values and preferences becomes a critical component to effectively educating family medicine residents about patient-centered care. The integration of the life-course model and values-based living offers a distinctive method of learning about the patient’s context and strengthening the doctor-patient relationship.      

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