El cambio de la práctica médica: Desafíos psicosociales para la profesión

Abstract

This article analyzes important changes in medical practice, focusingin those most deeply perceivedby a groupof physicians from the MetropolitanRegion of Santiago, included in a joint researchconducted by the Departments of Psychiatry and Mental Health (East) of the Medical Faculty at the University of Chile and Public Health of the CatholicUniversity of Santiago, during 2003. These arethe perceived changes in the relationshipbetween doctors and patients; increasedlimits in professional autonomy and the fragmentation of medical practice. Reflecting transformations in social relationshipsin general, they have added new stressand frustrations, as well as new opportunities and rewards to the medical profession.The perceptions identified are commented within the structural determinants of medical practice.These issues call for a refreshing discussion on the values supporting medical professionalism and the concept of profession in itself, in view of the challenges posed by the current social andcultural changes (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 768-72).(Key Words: Practice management, medical; Sociology, medical)