Rejecting Doctors Orders

Herman is a 55-year-old farmer with worsening, chronic back pain refuses surgery and states he will go to the local chiropractor, instead His doctor is faced with a dilemma. He does not feel he can contact the chiropractor, but feels that the manipulation could worsen Herman’s injury.

• What is the physician’s obligation to the patient?
• What are the consequences of the decision choice for the patient?
• What are the consequences of the decision choice for the physician?
• Which should be the final decision and what are the reasons for that determination?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)