[The biopsychosocial model: much more than additional empathy].
Despite several limits, the biopsychosocial model is the best available medical model today. However, it is still misunderstood and underused. On a theoretical point of view, this system of health-explanatory hypotheses considers biological, psychological and social factors on equal grounds, in a complex, multiple and circular system of causes and effects. A clinical practice derived from this model permanently integrates the biological, psychological and social perspectives. It necessitates active participation of the patient and stresses the importance of educational aspects. The therapeutic relationship is deeply modified. A better diffusion of the biopsychosocial model necessitates changes in teaching, research and increased resources allocated to the clinical encounter.
Berquin
Anne
A
Dr Anne Berquin Service de médecine physique et réadaptation, Consultation de la douleur chronique Cliniques universitaires St-Luc, Av. Hippocrate 10/1650, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgique. anne.berquin@uclouvain.be
D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations