Doctor ‒ Patient Communication in the Digital Age: A Problem Statement

The doctor – patient relationship is one of the most complex interpersonal forms of communication. Participants in this communication are never on equal footing, and they do not seek to meet, but are forced to closely interact and build trusting relationships to achieve the best outcome. The digitalization of the healthcare system is significantly transforming the roles of doctor and patient, which has both positive aspects and raises several ethical issues. On the one hand, we are witnessing a shift from the traditional model of paternalism to patient autonomy. On the other hand, these changes are associated with complexities and the risk of losing trust in the doctor. This article analyzes the doctor – patient relationship, which is undergoing changes under the influence of the digitalization of medicine. The author highlights several key aspects that are most often considered ethical issues in telemedicine: confidentiality, privacy, security, and also touches on the issue of digital inequality. Examining doctor – patient communication through the prism of modern technology allows to discover new facets of this type of relationship.