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What happens if a patient doesnt want to follow your course of treatment?

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Kendra’s Answer

Remember it is our job in the medical field to present the options for patient care and then allow the patients to do what they believe is best for them. Patients have the right to make INFORMED decisions. As long as we inform them about the risks and benefits to treatment options so they can make really well informed decisions we have to allow them the right to choose...even if that means them choosing not to participate in any of the options we presented.
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Mohammed’s Answer

I agree with the above answers, I just like to write about it from dentistry standpoint,
In dentistry, Patient Autonomy guides the treatment plan, a dentist would make his exam and explain all the ways to treat the problem, with a detailed explanation of all risks, benefits of treatment options, the dentist may also recommend a specific treatment over the other, but eventually, the patient is the one who chooses the treatment to be performed. in case that the patient did not want to proceed or chooses a treatment modality other than the recommended one, then he must sign a written consent stating that he understands the consequences and all the risks and possible outcomes for not getting the recommended treatment.
if the patient asks for a treatment that may cause harm to himself, then the patient autonomy conflicts with non-maleficence (do no harm), for example, the patient asks for tooth extraction but his medical condition does not allow that ( bleeding problems, heart conditions, etc), in such scenario you should not proceed with the treatment.

hope that helps.
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Rachel’s Answer

When a patient doesn't follow my recommended course of treatment, I explore other options with the patient if options exist. If no other reasonable options exist, I reinforce my treatment plan and document if the patient refuses. Ultimately, the patient has the right to decide.
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Kim’s Answer

I like the previous answer, but, want to give you a scenario that actually happened to my ex-husband. An ENT doctor had performed life-saving surgery on him, with the aid of a pulmunologist and an infectious disease doctor. My ex smoked a pack of cigarettes a day. He was given strict orders not to smoke. (He had a temporary tracheotomy). I knew he would not follow the instructions. So, in front of him, I asked the doctor what would happen if he smoked. The doctor said that if he smoked he would drop him as a patient. He was a really good doctor, and we both knew he meant what he said.

It's one thing for a patient to choose not to have treatment. In our case, he was getting treated but was then not going to comply with the treatment program.

Not quite related, but, there was a time where my Dad was pretty sick. The primary care doctor wanted him to have a certain cardio-diagnostic procedure. The cardiologist said it was too dangerous. So, they left it to us (family) to make the decision. At that point, I felt abandoned by the medical team!

Anyway, good questions! Best of luck to you!
Thank you comment icon aw im sorry that happened ! i hope all ended well though. and thank you so much ! Mehakpreet
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Estelle’s Answer

That is a great question. As a physician, my role is to help guide patients, but the ultimate decision in their care lies in their hands. This is called autonomy. It is a fundamental aspect of healthcare treatment. Even if the doctor thinks a treatment will improve the life of a patient, it is ultimately up to the patient to decide what they want in their life. Keep in mind however that there are exceptions in very specific cases, as children with life-threatening diseases.
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