How would you handle a situation where a patient with advanced lung cancer and poor functional status strongly requests surgery that you believe would be medically futile?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question digs into your ethical reasoning and communication skills. Interviewers want to see how you handle tough conversations about patient wishes, especially when those wishes might not align with what's medically best.
Tips
- Start by listening to the patient's hopes and fears to understand their perspective.
- Communicate clearly and compassionately about why surgery may not be beneficial, avoiding medical jargon.
- Discuss alternative options like palliative care that align with the patient's values and goals.
Common mistakes
- Don't just bluntly tell the patient that surgery won't work; it can come off as dismissive.
- Avoid jumping straight to other aggressive treatments without exploring the patient's true motivations.
- Don't forget to mention the importance of involving a multidisciplinary team for support.