Modelling medicine

Aristotle's writing on poiesis and techne in general, and his frequent references to medicine in particular, suggest that medicine is instrumental, contingent and procedural.

Abstract

CONTEXT: Aristotle's writing on poiesis and techne in general, and his frequent references to medicine in particular, suggest that medicine is instrumental, contingent and procedural. These 3 basic characteristics give rise to three questions: What do doctors do? What affects what they do? How do they do it? Similar questions can be applied to other professions. OBJECTIVES: This paper sets out a 3-dimensional model of medicine which addresses these 3 questions. The model can be used to explore general issues in the field such as the nature of general practice, the scope of evidence-based medicine and the relationship between medicine and cognate professions. It may help to clarify decisions about the scope, sequence and integration of the medical curriculum and it offers a framework for the concrete analysis of clinical situations and decisions. METHODS: The article is based on conceptual analysis rather than empirical investigation although there are some examples of practical applications of the model. CONCLUSIONS: Although the headings in the model must be treated as tentative, it offers one way of viewing medicine as a whole. It also offers potential scope for development and use in both initial and continuing medical education. Further work is needed to develop and refine the model for medical education and practice.