College policy addresses what to do when in conflict
practice partner
this : “ What would you do if this was you / your spouse / your child / your parent ? She suggests trying to refocus the conversation : “ This is about us working together , and what is most consistent with your values , your health , your best interests .” Dr . Blackmer said that physicians are not expected to be value-neutral , but their values and morals can ’ t negatively impact patient care . Anyone ’ s values are informed by their own experiences and beliefs . Do values influence doctors ? Absolutely . Just reflect on which ones really matter most . CPSO ’ s
Practice Guide states four of them : “ Medicine is about compassion , service , altruism , and trustworthiness , values that have always and will continue to guide the profession .” Values will continue to clash in medicine , and in certain issues doctors might struggle with their own conscience . What are patients owed ? At a minimum , it is the opportunity to speak about what matters to them , without fear of judgment . “ As professionals we ’ re servants to the public good ,” reminds Dr . Gibson . “ The duty is to not abandon the patient .” MD
College policy addresses what to do when in conflict
The College has developed policy that addresses those situations in which a physician may be asked to provide a service that conflicts with his or her conscience or religious beliefs .
Both the Medical Assistance in Dying and the Professional Obligations and Human Rights policies are clear that in those instances where physicians are unwilling to provide certain elements of care for reasons of conscience or religion , an effective referral to another health-care provider must be provided to the patient . An effective referral means a referral made in good faith , to a non-objecting , available , and accessible physician , other health-care professional , or agency . The referral must be made in a timely manner to allow patients to access care . Patients must not be exposed to adverse clinical outcomes due to a delayed referral . Physicians must not impede access to care for existing patients , or those seeking to become patients .
The College expects physicians to proactively maintain an effective referral plan for the frequently requested services they are unwilling to provide .
The Professional Obligations and Human Rights policy states that physicians must provide care in an emergency , where it is necessary to prevent imminent harm , even where that care conflicts with their conscience or religious beliefs .
The College ’ s Planning for and Providing Quality End-of-Life Care policy also emphasizes the importance of respecting patient autonomy as it pertains to health-care goals and treatment decisions .
All three policies are on the College ’ s website at www . cpso . on . ca .
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Dialogue Issue 1 , 2017