Characteristics of each relational model as perceived by professionals
| Caregiver—patient relationship | Colleague—colleague relationship | |
| Identity of physician | Caregiver | Colleague |
| Identity of patient | Recipient of care | Colleague |
| Relational distance | Asymmetrical | Symmetrical |
| Relational objective (for the professional) | Care | Work |
| Responsibility | Carried mainly by professionals | Shared |