Models are used to describe relationships by giving an example of another commonly known relationship. The vast majority of relationships are too complex to accurately and completely define each and every detail individually. Instead, models are used as a starting point from which discussions of other relationships can take place. The doctor-patient relationship for example, can be described much more completely and quickly by comparing it to another relationship; such as that between a parent and child, painter and customer, or between friends.
We are able to differentiate between how relationships currently are and how the relationships should be by using descriptive and prescriptive view. A descriptive view is based from on how something actually is. For example, in the excerpt given, the patient’s descriptive view of Dr. Jain includes the fact that he is Indian. We understand that Dr. Jain’s descriptive view of a doctor in America does not preclude being Indian by the fact that he Indian and a doctor in America. A prescriptive …show more content…
Jain has any professional obligations under the doctor-patient relationship simply because there was no doctor-patient relationship. In this instance, Dr. Jain was acting as a purveyor of healthcare not as a medical practitioner. Whether or not the hospital pharmacy stocks Mr. R’s brand of insulin is a business decision, not a medical one. This is not to say that Dr. Jain does not have any obligations at all in regards to Mr. R only that he does not have any obligations under the doctor-patient relationship. If Dr. Jain or the hospital forced Mr. R to use only the brands of insulin available in their pharmacy the situation could be moved into the realm of