Family Care Ethical Dilemmas

It can difficult to be asked to make a healthcare decision concerning a dying person who is unable to make his/her own decision. When a competent patient and a family caregiver disagree regarding a decision, the physician should verify they have a common understanding of the patient’s condition and prognosis and the patient’s goals for care. According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability of 1996 Act (HIPAA), health professionals may share relevant health care information with the family caregiver if the patient agrees to, or does not object to, the disclosure. Family caregivers have become an integral part of the health care system, working in partnership with patients and health care professionals. Patients have the right to make decisions regarding their medical treatment, but they may need to consider other caregiving

Private exchanges may include determining whether the patient feels safe and well cared for; eliciting fears or concerns; obtaining the names of other family caregivers the patient might want the physician to contact; and determining whether the patient requires legal or social services. Family caregivers may view themselves as partners with the physician in the care of the patient, especially as the patient’s illness progresses and the caregiver’s role increases. Physicians must always be sensitive to cultural and family values, and should respect family approaches to decision-making where applicable. Physicians can help surrogates with feelings of guilt and anxiety that may impede decision making at the end of life by stressing that decisions should be based on patient values. Advance directives enable patients to instruct others about their health care, end of life care, and decision-making