What do you do if a patient's family disagrees with the treatment plan in healthcare management?

When the family of a patient disagrees with the treatment plan, pay close attention, take the time to understand their concerns, and show empathy. Next, make an effort to educate them appropriately, respect the family's opinions, and work closely with them. If an adjustment is necessary, make the adjustment as best you can within the constraints of the plan, and thoroughly record all of the information.

Listening is an important parcel and component of recieving,sharing information as well as behavioural communication change(BCC).its highly important to listen to the family concern,it coukd be due to many reasons like culture or maybe a misinformation they recieve about the treatment,so listening is the first step tlin solving the problem

I look at this from a pre-hospital perspective. As a Paramedic, when the onset of illness or injury is usually a sudden event it become even more traumatic the family of a patient. Actively listening to concerns of both the patient and family is imperative however it is very important to be able to differentiate between what is wanted and what is actually going to happen. It’s not what is said to people, it’s how it is said.

When a patient's family disagrees with a treatment plan, first deeply listen to understand their concerns. Empathy is key. Next, educate them clearly about the plan's benefits, risks, and rationale, using understandable language to demystify medical jargon. Lastly, collaborate closely, seeking a compromise that respects the family's views while prioritizing the patient's health. This might involve adjusting the plan if feasible. Open communication, empathy, and a willingness to find common ground are crucial in navigating such disagreements.

By explaining the proposed approach in understandable terms and discussing alternative treatments, healthcare providers can empower families to make well-informed decisions. Educating families about the treatment plan not only increases their understanding but also demonstrates transparency and builds trust between healthcare providers and patients' families. This collaborative approach ensures that the patient's best interests remain at the forefront of decision-making.

The best approach is to listen to the patient and their relatives concern and address them, if they still insist, then let them seek a second opinion elsewhere. And you need to fully document or even record such conversations with their consent in cases like cancer or other life threatening conditions in which the patient or their relatives may later deny that condition want fully explained to them or they couldn't understand. Never force a treatment on a patient or they will put you at fault for any adverse event that happened as a result of a treatment you forcefully convince them to accept.

It is important when discussing treatment options to include all options and the expected outcomes for each. This would include no intervention. Often discussing the best case, worst case, and most likely case scenarios for each treatment option and no intervention is helpful. When describing the interventions and expected outcomes include information that has a practical impact such as functional/cognitive impact as well as prognosis.

Es importante durante el processo de educación en relación al tratamiento, hacer recesos, paradas que permitan el feedback. Un exceso de información no comprendida o que genere angustia o duda puede favorecer el rechazo al tratamiento. En cada paso debemos asegurar que se comprende y el punto de aceptación de cada etapa del tratamiento

It is important to have an open, non- judgmental conversation with patient with respect and empathy. Try to understand why the patient is refusing the treatment plan. It is crucial to educate the patient and address any concerns or underlying fear that they may have, provide clear and accurate information about the condition and never forget to emphasise the potential benefits of the recommended treatment. Also inform the mishaps that could occur by denying the treatment.

Encouraging open communication and involving the patient and their family in decision-making processes fosters a sense of partnership between healthcare providers and patients. Modifying treatment plans or seeking additional opinions when necessary demonstrates a commitment to finding the most effective and agreeable solution for all parties. By valuing the family's input and prioritizing the patient's best interests, healthcare providers can create a supportive environment that promotes positive outcomes.

I think that the information to the patient is the milestone for the best quality healthcare The medical information provided to the patient and his family may improve the development of the healthcare process, because by improving the relationship between the healthcare personal and the patient and his family, eill have effect on the quality of the service provided. This information, must include the aim of the procedure, the risks and its nature. Furthermore, it has to be true, understandable for the patients and appropriate to their personal and social circumstances.

When the doctor is faced with a difficult situation where a patient's family disagrees with a treatment plan due to concerns about potential risks,. To remedy this, he initiated open discussions with the family, encouraging them to share their perspectives and preferences. The doctor listened carefully, recognised their contributions, and explored alternative options while prioritising the patient’s well-being. They worked together to find a mutually acceptable solution, taking into account the patient’s medical needs, family values and available resources. This collaborative approach has fostered confidence and transparency, enabling the family to participate actively in decision-making. T.

Collaboration is built on trust and this requires providers to have a framework of emotional intelligence to be self aware of their own bias and agenda as well as their own emotion. To be able to emotionally regulate that allows providers to empathize and to then move into a collaborative space built on psychological safety.

Collaborating closely with the patient's family is crucial when there is disagreement about a treatment plan. This involves working together as a team to understand each other's perspectives, share information, and make decisions that are in the best interest of the patient. Healthcare providers should encourage open communication, respect the family's input, and be willing to consider alternative approaches or modifications to the treatment plan when appropriate. Building a trusting and supportive relationship with the family can help foster cooperation and ultimately improve the quality of care provided to the patient.

In these types of cases, it can be helpful to suggest they get a second opinion. As such it's important to be a team member and not do anything that will risk one's professional relationship and earned trust within the medical team

More often than not I have found myself or seen colleagues in situations where the immediate family is overwhelmed with the condition of the patient and are in a defensive mode to any intervention. In such situations it is usually a good idea to find a mediator and involve them in the conversation session.

I use shared decision making in talking with the family and patient. That way everyone is a part of the plan of care. In charting I always add in my medical decision making that shared decision making was part of my MDM.

I’ve been in such situations especially in the ER . I surely listen carefully to the family first , allow them to express what they believe is right . Then I explain the medical aspects of the case thoroughly and what’s the latest management plan with evidence based medicine . I again listen to their opinion and reach to a consensus . In many emergency cases though we don’t have much time to discuss, time is precious to us so one of the team members explains everything while we do the needful on spot . Later as the patient is stable we surely discuss with family what’s stage two in the management. Family has the full right to know what’s the plan of care especially if the patient is elderly or a child so they’re in the frame of management

In situations where patients can make informed decisions, their choices should be honored, even if they differ from the healthcare team's recommendations. In instances where a patient cannot make decisions, finding a balance between the family's wishes and what is medically best for the patient can be challenging. Healthcare managers must approach these situations with empathy, sensitivity, and a commitment to promoting the patient's well-being.

One of my biggest challenges is how to handle the increasing incidents of parents choosing to deviate from what is considered medical or recommended standard of care for their children. While I respect their right to choose the care they want, the choices they make I don't respect at all. I struggle with needing to support the decision-making of guardians with being complicit with care that is clearly substandard. Unfortunately, I don't forsee this trend lessening anytime soon.

A patient who is able to make decisions has the right to make a choice that differs from the medical advise offered. Patients are also able to defer those decisions to family either through active acquiescence or because they lack capacity to decide for themselves. If family members are making decisions for a patient without capacity, and those decisions are well informed, they should be honored. In most instances, family knows the patient better than anyone. Sometimes choices are made from an place of emotion and family needs more time to come to terms with the decline of their loved one. Providing space for grief is important.

Honor your patient. Support their family and advocate for the best interest of all those affected. There is often no right or wrong answer. Acknowledge the reasoning of the patient and their family. Sometimes it is impossible to "do no harm" when the true outcomes of actions are yet to be determined.

A grande reflex?o é…. Deixar o paciente/ familiares a decis?o compartilhada junto a equipe ao tratamento! Sendo mais assertivo, seguro, além de proporcionar o bem estar espiritual, físico!

Appropriate and timely documentation is particularly crucial in situations of disagreement for it affords a bird's eye view of the entire process, in addition to possessing reference, forensic and repository value.

I treat adults, so this is not an usual item to deal with. I respect both, my patient and his family. But if my patient is lucid his opinion is mandatory. I treat cancer and many times, wasting time in arguing with third parties is wasting time of life of the patient. I

I complete agree to the fact that in present era as a health care provider documentation is atmost important aspect along with just treating the patient.Documenting every single component of treatment is going to save you if any unexpected situation arises legally.Take appropriate consent where ever it is needed.Video consent is a must in treating critically ill patients.When we have proper SOPs in critical care units in terms of documentation it is easy for the whole team to execute them where ever it is required.In routine practice we generally take it as granted treating the patients thinking patients will accept everything.But when are lacunae in documentation legally we are liable.Future is going to be Documenting driven health care….

Documenting your conversations with the family and the physician in the patient's medical record is imperative as it is helpful for future reference and ensures clear communication throughout the care process.

Making notes on every consultation, telephone call..however short it is… will always help in re-collection should any disagreement arise Teach your staff that they must always make notes and also teach them how to write notes that are factual and not just opinions

It is essential to acknowledge that as humans, our nature is deeply emotional, with many of our choices being influenced by intuition, past experiences, and perceptions, regardless of their alignment with reality. When guiding patients and their families through the decision-making process, the paramount factor is the establishment of trust, ensuring they are confident that the guidance provided is with their best interests at heart. The foundation of trust is built on genuine care, empathy, devoted time, and appropriate facial expressions and body language. These elements are challenging to simulate, making it imperative to cultivate empathy sincerely, to care deeply, and to interact with patients as you would wish to be treated yourself.

One time at work in the Urgent Care Clinic, a 46yo man presented with his wife for "Indigestion". He refused an ECG. I listened carefully, trying to rush the patient's story of multiple episodes of burning pain in his stomach, often after a heavy meal. Today the rest and Pepto did not work. I interrupted the patient to explain other serious things that could explain his severe pain, high BP, and profuse sweating. We bartered: If his ECG was completely normal, his wife could drive him to ED of nearby large hospital, and I would not charge for visit. But if the ECG was abnormal, the patient would allow me to do my job. Four months later, the patient returned to thank me for saving his life when his thoracic aortic aneurysm dissected.

Step into the patients shoes. Understand their perspective. Be realistic. Keep an open door in case they change minds. Keep communicating and be patient.

The frustration often felt when relatives spoke on behalf of the patient, while disagreement with a patient,being less frustrating. Don't forget that differences in background, especially religious, can prevent proper communication... Efforts must be made to establish a bond of trust between patient, relatives and physician. The use of advance directives should be encouraged. In case of an impasse between a physician and patient or relative, advice can be sought from other professionals. However, in the end it is still the physician who will have to decide whether or not a treatment is to be started, with the best interest of the patient at heart, even when this is not congruent with the wishes of the family.