Question

Summarize the duties of a provider if a patient refuses necessary medical care. What ethical implications are there for both the provider as well as the organization? in 300-500 words

Answer 1

Ans) Doctors, also known as Physicians, are licensed health professionals who maintain and restore human health through the practice of medicine. They examine patients, review their medical history, diagnose illnesses or injuries, administer treatment and counsel patients on their health and well being.
- By using your communication skills and trying to see the situation from the patient's side, you can help them overcome their fears and make the best decision possible for their care. If that decision includes refusing care, then a nurse must come to accept the decision, no matter how much you may disagree.
- Patients who refuse treatment:
You must respect a competent patient's decision to refuse an investigation or treatment, even if you think their decision is wrong or irrational. You may advise the patient of your clinical opinion, but you must not put pressure on them to accept your advice.
- When You Can't Say No to Treatment. Most, but not all, Americans have the right to refuse medical treatment. However, there are three exceptions to the right to refuse treatment. They occur when others are subsidizing the patient's income during his or her period of injury, sickness and inability to work.
- Because a client legally has the right to refuse medication, the nurse can only recommend, advise, suggest, or urge the patient to comply. Consequently, it is important to understand the nurse's response to patient refusal of medication.
- Every competent individual has the legal right to refuse lifesaving medical treatment. Therefore, a health care provider cannot force medical care upon a patient without his/her consent even in life threatening-situations.

Here, in all written informed consent for refusal of treatment to be taken by patient & family member. Documentation is the most important aspect.