Question

Case Study:

John, a 34-year old father of two children, is a member of an HMO in Texas. John has made several trips to an area clinic that was recommended by his HMO to seek medical attention since finding blood in his stool.

John has been taking large dosages of aspirin for persistent headaches, but did not realize this could cause internal bleeding. John was seen in a clinic by a P.A., Robert, but never by an M.D. Robert did not ask John about taking any OTC or non-prescription meds or supplements, and John didn't realize he needed to mention his OTC aspirin consumption. Robert tells John to take an antacid preparation to control the bleeding, but does not order any tests.

Robert tells John to return to the clinic if he does not feel better. Two days later, John is rushed to an area emergency department with a bowel hemorrhage.

Please answer the following Case Questions (20 points):

1. What responsibility, if any, does Robert have for John's emergency condition?

2. Does the clinic have the responsibility to provide its HMO members with the services of a physician (M.D.)?

3. What responsibility, as a healthcare consumer, does John have for his own medical condition?

4. What responsibility, as a manufacturer of the aspirin, does the pharmaceutical company have for John's medical condition?

Answer 1

1.Haemorrhage is a indication of bleeding from an internal organ which needs immediate attention and care otherwise it can make the patient to land up in critical situation.Here Robert is responsible for John's condition in the following way

• didn't advice any blood test to rule out the cause of bleeding
• prescription of antacid is not the right drug for bleeding
• Didn't ask about and OTC medication or other supplements
• Didn't take immediate action by at least checking his vitals to get the baseline data

2.HMO has an option to provide its patient with physician service.Here the clinic has the responsibility to provide its HMO member with a physician

3.As a healthcare consumer it is his responsibility to tell his OTC drug to a Heakth care professionals, should have basic knowledge about the drug and its side effects,could have asked for why the bleeding occured and how to prevent it

4.The pharmaceutical company holds responsibility in the manufacturing in the following way

• Should give a complete information about the action ,dose,side effects, interaction, contraindications in the leaflet
• Should have mentioned not to be taken without prescription
• Inform physician about taking this medications
• Should have mentioned as "only under prescription or prescription drug only"