One Dozen Things
About the One Dozen Things | The Doctor-Patient Relationship | The Role of the Patient's Family | Confidentiality | The Health Care Team | America is a Litigious Society | Document, Document, Document! | Who Pays the Bills? | Gender Issues and Discrimination | Safety and Errors | Informed Consent | U.S. Graduate Medical Education | Above All, Professionalism
The Role of the Patient’s Family
Overview
The primary therapeutic relationship is between the doctor and the patient. Unless the patient is not competent, for example if the patient has severe dementia, it should not be assumed that decisions regarding the patient’s care will be made by, or shared with, the family. The family is not entitled to information about the patient without the patient’s knowledge and explicit consent. It is always important to ascertain from the patient what role he or she wishes family members to play in his or her care. It is of equal importance to respect and abide by that decision.
