Preference of Patients Essay

In the medical profession, there are some issues that call for ethical appraisal. Although these issues might be provided for under the code of ethics of the medical profession, they have raised several controversial debates that have haunted the ethical foundation of the profession. One of such issues which have been a cause of controversy is the preference of patients. When we talk about the preferences of patients, what we are referring to is the choice of the patient after evaluating the health outcomes which might result from the treatment or refusal of treatment. There are several other issues that relates to this patient centered approach in the medical profession. Over the years, patients have been allowed to make some choices pertaining to the medical care. Generally speaking, some people are of the opinion that due to the availability of more information, some patients are not a novice to the medical practice and so should be allowed to make decisions about their treatment – of course, under the guidance of the physician and with correct understanding of the facts of the treatment. This approach is put in place in place in order to maintain a better, more flexible and less domineering environment. Thus the patient’s preference afeects the decisions about medical care as the doctor can not make some vital decisions. An example of the patient’s preference is the span of treatment, However, some people are of the opinion that due to the complex nature of the medical professions, patients should not be allowed to make decision that pertains to treatment procedures. This is informed by the fact that these patients might be fearful, not in their correct frame of mind and may be looking for a form of treatment that will be less painful to them. It is therefore concluded that the patient’s decision should not be regarded at that point in time as that may not be what they would have chosen if they were in their right frame of mind. This too like the other poses a problem. If we are to rely on this argument, then we are likely going to fall into trouble due to some issues associated with the absence of patient preferences. There is should be patient autonomy and patients have the moral and legal rights to make decisions that concern their health and medical conditions. Thus, no matter how we view it, the issue of patient’s preference raises a problem from both sides. If for instance we say that the patient needs not be consulted in making decisions about treatment, then we are neglecting the legal right and moral rights of the patients. However, it might be true that in some given situations, the preference of the patient poses a threat to the patient’s health condition. And so it is risky to follow such preferences as the patient’s decision makes him/her a threat to himself/herself. An example of this is refusal of treatment. Furthermore, there are some other issues that associated with the absence or expression of patient’s preferences. For instance, except in emergency cases or in cases where the patient can not give consent, it is mandatory for the physician to seek the consent of the patient before any form of test or examination is carried out on them. Another issue that has been of controversial debate is surrogate decision-making. Should this be accepted in the medical practice? We should also consider the issue of advanced directives in medicine? Should patients be allowed to issue advanced directives? Since the goal of medicine is to save and protect lives, how then will we account for a situation where a doctor issues an advance directive at the request of a patient? The question here is which is higher? – The purpose on which the foundation of the profession was based or the preference of the patients? In addition to this, should cultural or religious beliefs overshadow the goal of medicine? The Hippocratic Oath directs doctors/physicians to do whatever is in their power in making sure they save lives and help people in pains. As a doctor, should I not give blood to a dying patient in urgent need of blood because the patient’s religion does not believe in it? If I do this, I will be doing what I have made an oath to do but shouldn’t I consider the right of the patient? Should I not consider the wish of the patient? As a doctor, I am obliged to communicate the truth about medical conditions to the patient but what should I do when I consider that the patient can not in the right frame of mind to take the information? Should I just say what I have to say bluntly or should I be lenient by withholding some weighty aspects of the information? In the case provided, the physician must make a distinction between duty and sentiment or emotions. Although the patient might have made plans that the physician knows about, it is the doctor’s duty to communicate the extent of the condition to the patient. The physician should be able to realize that he/she is bound by duty and must seek to discharge his/her duties rather than appeal to sentiments. To start with, it will be unwise and professionally illegal for the physician to withhold information from the patient because the patient is embarking on a tour around the world. For all I care, the medical safety of the patient is the utmost and should be given the greatest consideration. The question to ask is who is to be blamed if the physician allowed Mr. R.S to travel without telling him the truth about his medical condition and in some way Mr. R.S dies during the trip? Should the physician, because he/she does not want to ruin the â€Å"big† plans made by the couple, decide not to fulfill what duty demands of him/her? Summarily, I think physicians should realize that they are dealing with the lives of people and thus should not allow sentiments in their practice. This is because some reasons are higher than others. Reference: L   Fraenkel, S T Bogardus Jr, and D R Wittink. Risk-attitude and patient treatment preferences Lupus, May  1,  2003 Edwards and G. Elwyn: How Should Effectiveness of Risk Communication to Aid Patients’ Decisions Be Judged? A Review of the Literature, Medical Decision Making, October  1,  1999 Practical ethics for students, interns and residents. A Short Reference Manual. Junkerman C and Schiedermayer D. Second Edition. University Publishing Group, 1998. Drane, J. F. (1985). â€Å"The Many Faces of Competency.† Hasting Center Report: 17-19.