The field of obstetrics/gynecology faces many ethical issues as it goes through both some of the most difficult times with patients, as well as the most rewarding times. The ethical stress comes from being put in situations such as abortion, STI’s, uninformed patients, financial issues, rape, incest, or unwanted pregnancies. With all of these issues, how do health care providers in obstetrics/gynecology properly approach situations such as these without making ethical violations? To help with this concern, I asked Jenn Senge. I interviewed Jenn Senge. Jenn has worked at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls as a Gynecology/Obstetrics Nurse Practitioner for 6 years. She has Bachelor’s Degrees in Biology and Nursing along with a Masters in Nursing.
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Jenn explains that cultural awareness, using a language that is easy to understand, and taking the time to answer questions are all guidelines that ensure good patient interaction. Here is an example of a situation that shows how important trust is with patients with clouded judgment: A newborn is born with an illness and you know that he or she is not going to live past 10 and will suffer their entire life. The parents wish to do everything to prolong their child’s life as long as possible. As a health care provider, you know the best option would be to stop treatment and prevent extreme suffering. Jenn says in this situation; the parents’ wishes must be followed. Even though the parent’s judgment could be clouded by things such as denial or depression, the parents are still the final decision maker. As long as the patient is competent, their wishes must be followed even if you are concerned about clouded judgment. Although you can’t go against the parents’ wishes, education and multi-disciplinary care conferences are options to help them make the best decision for their child. It is important to understand why and how the patient arrived at the decision to enable the best discussions and education sessions. This situation, good patient interaction from the beginning is essential because it will establish the trust needed for the parents to be open to your …show more content…
It is true, that one answer will not solve all of the ethical issues surrounding medical care because each situation varies greatly. I now see how important patient interaction and education is. Education helps handle noncompliant patients and patients that may have clouded judgment when making a decision. With patient autonomy at the core of care, all the health care provider can do is provide the proper education and necessary options of treatment to the patient. The patient’s decisions are then based on their pre-existing beliefs, knowledge, and what you have provided
Jenn explains that cultural awareness, using a language that is easy to understand, and taking the time to answer questions are all guidelines that ensure good patient interaction. Here is an example of a situation that shows how important trust is with patients with clouded judgment: A newborn is born with an illness and you know that he or she is not going to live past 10 and will suffer their entire life. The parents wish to do everything to prolong their child’s life as long as possible. As a health care provider, you know the best option would be to stop treatment and prevent extreme suffering. Jenn says in this situation; the parents’ wishes must be followed. Even though the parent’s judgment could be clouded by things such as denial or depression, the parents are still the final decision maker. As long as the patient is competent, their wishes must be followed even if you are concerned about clouded judgment. Although you can’t go against the parents’ wishes, education and multi-disciplinary care conferences are options to help them make the best decision for their child. It is important to understand why and how the patient arrived at the decision to enable the best discussions and education sessions. This situation, good patient interaction from the beginning is essential because it will establish the trust needed for the parents to be open to your …show more content…
It is true, that one answer will not solve all of the ethical issues surrounding medical care because each situation varies greatly. I now see how important patient interaction and education is. Education helps handle noncompliant patients and patients that may have clouded judgment when making a decision. With patient autonomy at the core of care, all the health care provider can do is provide the proper education and necessary options of treatment to the patient. The patient’s decisions are then based on their pre-existing beliefs, knowledge, and what you have provided