Abstract:

Based on Polanyi's view of "double movement", this paper regards doctor-patient conflicts as a byproduct of the structure of medical marketization, which is also a global phenomenon. In this sense, medical social workers can be seen as part of Polanyi's notion of "counter-movement", which helps to bring the de-embedded medical market back to the concern of humanity. However, the biggest obstacle to the development of medical social workers in mainland China is the issue of its unclear positioning, which also affects the deterioration of the relationship between doctors and patients. This paper explores how the institutionalized development of medical social workers in Taiwan gradually plays a role in mediating doctor-patient conflicts. Based on the analysis, the author puts forward suggestions on the development of medical social work in mainland China.

Key words: doctor-patient relation, double movement, medical social worker