Reciprocal acknowledgement and decision-making shared with the patient

"Reciprocal recognition" is a philosophical concept that is essential to understand the attitudes that are basic for peaceful personal relationships. When it is not present, relationships in which people struggle for recognition are established. When the patients are excluded from the decision making regarding their health, their autonomy is not respected. This may make the patients feel like they are being treated as objects, with the consequent loss of trust in the doctor. An informed patient, that it, with their own criteria and desires to participate in what concerns them, is generating a group of growing tendencies. Reciprocal recognition applied to the physician-patient relationship need for one hand, the patient's trust in professional consulting and, secondly, the professional's initiative of sharing decisions with patients. The authors reflect on the concept of reciprocal recognition, with scenarios illustrating the consultation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.