#95 Treatment Over Objection Part 2: At the Bedside Segment

The podcast explores the ethical and logistical challenges of treating patients over their objections, emphasizing the need to balance patient autonomy with the potential for harm. It uses a case involving a patient with schizophrenia and a possible DVT to illustrate the application of a seven-question framework for ethical decision-making. The discussion covers the importance of assessing the imminence and severity of harm, treatment efficacy and risks, and the patient's emotional response. It also highlights the distinction between consent, assent, and refusal, as well as the roles of ethics consultants, psychiatry, and surrogates in these complex situations. Dr. Prager stresses the importance of gathering comprehensive medical and psychosocial facts to inform ethical decisions.