Ethics

Question 1

What must you do if pt refuses treatment

Answer 1

• Explore ICE > may be reason that can be addressed
• Assess capacity only if you have reason to think they don’t have capacity
• assess four areas of capacity

if has capacity:

• explain risks of not having tx INCL death
• explain has right to leave / refuse treatment
• • consider involving family if pt consents
• give self discharge form to sign
• speak to senior
• DOCUMENT carefully, following hospital self discharge policy

If no capacity:

• DOLS
• give treatment in best interest
• let family know, ask them to let me know what patient would want

Question 2

How to start ethical scenario discussion

Answer 2

1. There are multiple ethical dilemmas involved here
2. Patient safety is my paramount concern

Then assess capacity // think about it 4 pillars of medical ethics // four schools of thought depending on scenatio