• Question: -is it difficult to keep your personal opinions when a patient refuses to take life-saving treatments?

    Asked by Maariya on 15 Mar 2022.
    • Photo: Jess Li

      Jess Li answered on 15 Mar 2022:


      Honestly, yes! But everyone has the right to make decisions about their life, even if these choices seem wrong to us. All we can do as a healthcare professional is to provide them with enough information so that they can make an informed choice and give our medical opinion without forcing them into anything. We should also listen to their concerns and perhaps speak to their family if that is what the patient wants. If the person is of sound mind, ultimately the final decision lies with them.

    • Photo: Jamie Hynes

      Jamie Hynes answered on 15 Mar 2022:


      It’s important to recognise our human reactions; patients need us to be human, but remain objective enough to offer them our expertise enough for them to make the decision that works for them.
      If we couldn’t accept a decision we wouldn’t make ourselves then we risk imposing our will on the patient. That wouldn’t be a healthy or therapeutic relationship.

    • Photo: Aaliya Goyal

      Aaliya Goyal answered on 18 Mar 2022:


      I don’t find it too difficult. It’s my job to present the information, help patients to understand the options and what would happen if they don’t wish to have the treatment which is suggested. I always respect my patient’s right to make a decision that works for them, even if it is not something that I would do myself.

    • Photo: Danielle Siberry

      Danielle Siberry answered on 19 Mar 2022:


      At the beginning of my career I found it difficult but you learn how to cope personally and accept that people have different views than yourself.

      It’s my job to allow them to make an informed decision by giving them all the information. Everyone has the right to decide on their own care.

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