Fa 2010 Ethical Situations

Front 1

Patient is noncompliant.

Back 1

Work to improve the physician-patient relationship.

Front 2

Patient has difficulty taking medications.

Back 2

Provide written instructions; attempt to simplify treatment regimens.

Front 3

Family members ask for information about patient's prognosis.

Back 3

Avoid discussing issues with relatives without the permission of the patient.

Front 4

A 17-year-old girl is pregnant and requests an abortion.

Back 4

Many states require parental notification or consent for minors for an abortion. Parental consent is not required for emergency situations, treatment of STDs, medical care during pregnancy, and management of drug addiction.

Front 5

A terminally ill patient requests physician assistance in ending his life.

Back 5

In the overwhelming majority of states, refuse involvement in any form of physician-assisted suicide. Physicians may, however, prescribe medically appropriate analgesics that coincidentally shorten the patient's life.

Front 6

Patient states that he finds you attractive.

Back 6

Ask direct, closed-ended questions and use a chaperone if necessary. Romantic relationships with patients are never appropriate. Never say, "There can be no relationship while you are a patient," because it implies that a relationship may be possible if the individual is no longer a patient.

Front 7

Patient refuses a necessary procedure or desires an unnecessary one.

Back 7

Attempt to understand why the patient wants/does not want the procedure. Address the underlying concerns,. Avoid performing unnecessary procedures.

Front 8

Patient is angry about the amount of time he spent in the waiting room.

Back 8

Apologize to the patient for any inconvenience. Stay away from efforts to explain the delay.

Front 9

Patient is upset with the way he was treated by another doctor.

Back 9

Suggest that the patient speak directly to that physician regarding his/her concerns. If the problem is with a member of the office staff, tell the patient you will speak to that individual.

Front 10

A child wishes to know more about his illness.

Back 10

Ask what the parents have told the child about his illness. Parents of a child decide what information can be relayed about the illness.

Front 11

Patient continues to smoke, believing that cigarettes are good for him.

Back 11

Ask how the patient feels about his/her smoking. Offer advice on cessation if the patient seems willing to make an effort to quit.

Front 12

Minor (under age 18) requests condoms.

Back 12

Physicians can provide counsel and contraceptives to minors without a parent's knowledge or consent.

Front 13

A drug company offers a “referral fee” for every patient a physician enrolls in a study

Back 13

Eligible patients who may benefit from the study may be enrolled, but it is never acceptable for a physician to receive compensation from a drug company.