An elderly patient with late-stage pancreatic cancer requests aggressive surgical intervention. How would you weigh the potential benefits of surgery against the risks and quality-of-life considerations?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question digs into your ethical reasoning and clinical judgment in a tough situation. Interviewers want to see how you balance patient wishes with the reality of their condition and the potential impact on their quality of life.
Tips
- Start by listening to the patient’s hopes and reasons for wanting surgery.
- Discuss the realistic prognosis and the risks versus benefits of surgery honestly.
- Involve a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support and options.
Common mistakes
- Don't just agree to surgery without discussing the risks and realistic outcomes.
- Avoid dismissing the patient's wishes as unrealistic without understanding their perspective.
- Steer clear of a purely technical focus; remember to consider the patient's quality of life.