MEDICAL ETHICS REVISITED
#RealLifeEthics #44
Over the past two years or so I’ve had two “coronary episodes” which have necessitated me having three stents inserted and I’ve recently undergone quite major back surgery. In all cases, the treatment that I received from start to finish at the major Durban hospital that I chose was outstanding.
What raised serious ethical questions with me, however, was that on the first two occasions last year, while I was already on the operating table, I had a clipboard and pen thrust in front of me and I was asked to sign a document which I assumed concerned “consent” and “professional indemnity”. I have still not seen the document!
In both cases I wasn’t wearing my spectacles and couldn’t read the document and in the first instance I was actually in the throes of a full-blown heart attack and could by no stretch of the imagination be described as being in full control of my faculties!
In the most recent case, I was already in the queue in the theatre waiting to go in when the same happened. Fortunately, my orthopaedic surgeon was talking to me at that stage and he read the “consent” document to me and explained what it was all about. Even though I wasn’t wearing my specs I eventually signed the document and was wheeled into the theatre!
I understand the need for this document to be signed but it needs to be pointed out that my next-of-kin were available in all instances, and I would have thought that it would have been more appropriate to have requested her to sign the document on my behalf. I would also be happier to sign a document that had been approved by my medical scheme and I’m surprised that the medical aids don’t insist on this!
This left a bad taste in my mouth and came across as sneaky and unethical!
What do you think?
#BusinessEthics #Ethics #Leadership #Courage #Trasparency
This series of posts is derived from the various workplace ethics workshops and webinars that I present. If you’d like more information and some free resources, please visit https://theethicsarchitect.com or send me a mail to brian@theethicsarchitect.com
Very sneaky indeed. It becomes informed consent when it's read with understanding in a good state of mind. It is the responsibility of the healthcare practitioner to facilitate that process ethically. In crises, a next of kin must be present, especially in cases such as yours, or the documents must be processed a few hours before a major procedure. I know things do not always go as planned; however, you say it happened more than once...