Keeper for Philosophy 221

KEEPER FOR PHILOSOPHY 221

March 16, 2012

Some topics I have learned about that I want to remember, act upon, or discuss further are communication, informed consent, and advance directives.

Communication is an important part of healthcare delivery. Good communication with the patient respects their right to receive comprehendible and correct information for them to make decisions. It is crucial to make sure that a patient is a participant in the decision-making process. This preserves the principle of autonomy, which gives patients some control regarding treatment. Good communication is also important to have between team members and other coworkers. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps to deliver the best healthcare possible. When I become a pharmacist, it will be important to make sure I communicate well with the patient when handing them their medicine. I will need to make sure they understand when, how, and why they are taking the medicine. Otherwise, I am not fulfilling my duty as a professional, and the patient may experience serious health consequences.

Informed consent ties in with communication. Informed consent is the willing acceptance of a medical intervention by a patient after adequate disclosure by the health care provider of the nature of the intervention, the risks and benefits, as well as alternatives. It also protects patient autonomy and helps keep a fiduciary relationship between the health care provider and the patient. However there is more to informed consent than just getting the patient to say yes by signing for the treatment. In order for it to be truly informed consent, the patient must demonstrate mental competence, understanding, and voluntariness when given complete disclosure of information pertaining to the treatment. As a pharmacist, I make sure that the patient is giving truly informed consent when talking to them. If they do not seem completely sure about taking their medicine, I can...