Family Decisions Based on Strong Cultural Values

You are a primary care physician who is assuming the care of a family. Upon review of the past medical history of the 1-year-old daughter, you find that she has had no immunizations although she received several well child examinations with their homeopathic caregiver. Her current medications include Chinese herbal supplements and the family follows a vegan diet. You ask the parents why your patient hasn’t received immunizations and they state, “We don’t believe in immunizations”.

• Is there a practical approach to this problem?
• What is your obligation to the minor patient? Will that option affect present family cohesion and should that affect your obligation to the patient? Why? Why not? How?

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