Monday, 18 June 2007
What to do...
Hey guys, as you know I’m still on my cardio placement at SCGH and last week I encountered an ethical problem that I’m hoping someone can help me with. I have been treating a 65 yr old man with pneumonia who is currently stable from a respiratory point of view however his condition is complicated due to the fact that he is suffering from alcohol withdrawal. During my last treatment session with this pt about 4 or 5 of his close family and friends came to visit him. I introduced myself to the group and invited them to stay for the session as I thought that this would give the pt more motivation to go for a walk, which he had been resisting! However this turned out to be a bad idea as the family were understandably very anxious and eager to find out about how the pt was doing and so bombarded me with questions that really weren’t physio related. Questions included what was the plan for the pt, when he would be able to go home, would he need to continue taking his medication at home and would he need oxygen at home etc. Although after reading the pts notes and liaising with the pts doctors on a regular basis I could have actually answered many of these questions I really didn’t know if it was my place to do so. I felt like I should give the family some relief so I tried to answer some of their questions, however I stopped myself after a while and told them that they should really speak to the pts doctor regarding his medical status. My question is, is it wrong to give information on medical issues as, as physios we are not actually qualified to do this even when you are sure what you are saying is correct and that the advice you give will help to make the pts family feel less worried?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Hey Kayla, from my understanding, education regarding pathologies plus reassurance are part of our treatment, + options and what patients do when they are discharged (rehab classes available etc), and expected date for discharge that we would normally find out from team meeting. I reckon you did the right thing reassuring them. I would however leave advice regarding meds and O2 intake to the doctors and explain to patient and family that doctors are more qualified to provide better prescription in that aspect.
Hey Kayz! As a student it's doubly hard to know where the line is, but I think you did the right thing. I agree with Robin, education and reassurance are definitely within the scope of our responsibilities to a pt, however I think it is best to leave final statements about discharge planning to the doctors - That way it prevents the potential for pt's to hear different information. Having said that, sometimes physios are a little more thorough and pick up on details that the docotors may have missed. I think the best thing is to keep liasing with the doctors so that you don't end up telling the pt and family different information to the doctors, but try and tell the pt and family enough to settle their worries and refer them on to the doctor if you can't answer their questions.
Post a Comment