An outline of the logic of choice and the logic of care3
| Logic of choice | Logic of care | |
|---|---|---|
| Patients | Patients are considered as customers who choose a care product of their liking. Patients are approached as people who know what they want and who govern themselves | Patients are seen as actively involved in a care process. Central in this process is what patients need. Patients have to attend and take care of the unpredictabilities of their bodies |
| Healthcare professionals | Professionals present neutral facts to patients to enable them to make a choice that aligns with their own values. They should be knowledgeable, accurate and skilful and properly implement the interventions for which their patients opt | Professionals continuously ‘tinker’ with bodies, technologies, knowledge and people. Facts and values intertwine; establishing facts and figuring out what to do go hand in hand. The various activities of those involved should be well attuned to each other |
| Their relationship is seen as… | A transaction between separate individuals who form a collective because they happen to meet each other in the consultation room. Decision making is weighing the relevant facts and arguments and offers individual autonomy and responsibility | Interaction between interdependent individuals, who always belong to multiple collectives (family, work, school). Making choices is a practical task, emerging from daily reality. Professionals and patients jointly act and act again to make life with disease bearable |