Imagine a patient refuses a recommended vascular procedure despite clear risks of disability or death. How would you balance respecting autonomy with your duty to protect them?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question digs into your ethical reasoning and communication skills in tough situations. Interviewers want to see how you handle the balance between respecting a patient's choices and your responsibility to guide them toward the best care.
Tips
- Start by confirming the patient's understanding of their condition and the procedure, ensuring they have decision-making capacity.
- Explore the patient's reasons for refusal with open-ended questions to understand their perspective and concerns.
- Communicate clearly and empathetically, using simple language and visual aids, and involve your attending physician or ethics team if needed.
Common mistakes
- Don't just push your own agenda or get frustrated if the patient refuses; it's about their choice, not just your recommendation.
- Avoid using medical jargon that might confuse the patient; keep it simple and relatable.
- Don't skip the step of assessing decision-making capacity; it's crucial to know if the patient can make informed choices.