Assignment 1: The Role Of Disclosing Information In Health Care

Everyday In the hospital, Doctors and caretakers alike have to disclose information to patients. Sometimes, the information may be confusing, or the patient may have a hard time understanding just exactly what the outcome means for them. The health care professionals informing these patients have a legal and moral responsibility to reach a caring response with their patient to get closer to a shared decision making process. In a caring response, the healthcare Professional must give adequate disclosure, makes sure the patient openly agrees and volunteers for the upcoming advice or treatment, and lastly makes sure the patient is fully competent to take in the information to get on a closer patient/caretaker relationship. In the paragraphs below, I hope to fully explain further on these topics and relate them to the story of Mrs. Flores, and just what additional considerations have to be made for her case.

When disclosing information to any patient, there is always a contract in place that helps describe what both parties have agreed to and also the rights and responsibilities of both alike. There is a standard in place with disclosing information in the healthcare system. It is based on the principal that the healthcare provider needs to give information that a “reasonable person” would need to make an informed decision on

To do this we need to create a relationship with the patient filled with patience, and kindness to understand them further. We need to look at how the patient can communicate the choices being made available to them, and if they understand alternative options to the advice or treatment. To be seen as competent, the patient needs to show they understand all the risk and benefits from the treatment, and can then consistently communicate their choices with the healthcare