Why do doctors withhold information from patients?

If disclosure of certain information is deemed harmful to patients, the doctor may be justified in withholding such information. This enables doctors to uphold rather than violate the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence.

Why do doctors relocate?

William Brady, physician, health economist, and coach, agrees that opportunities for advancement and the desire to be near family are common reasons professionals consider relocating for new health care positions. “Sometimes they might also want to live in a city more conducive to their lifestyle,” he says.

Is it ethical for a doctor to withhold information?

Withholding medical information from patients without their knowledge or consent is ethically unacceptable. Physicians should encourage patients to specify their preferences regarding communication of their medical information, preferably before the information becomes available.

Can doctors easily relocate?

While some physicians relocate to pursue new markets or employment opportunities, others make the move for personal reasons. These may vary, depending on whether the physician is considering a job offer, buying a practice, or starting from scratch.

Can doctors move states easily?

State-By-State Licensure and Reciprocity It would also lower the bar enough that experienced physicians would have an incentive to move among states, and in times of emergency, physicians from any state could easily and quickly come to the aid of those in neighboring states without fear of liability.

What happens when a new doctor gives you bad news?

When a new physician provides a patient with bad news — of a life-changing diagnosis that will severely limit their life expectancy as well as quality of life — patients often have difficulty interpreting these results.

Why are long-term doctor-patient relationships so important in healthcare?

Health care providers that have no relationship with a patient or family are at an extreme disadvantage when delivering negative health care news. Long-term doctor-patient relationships allow physicians to have a better understanding of the patient, their values, and their family dynamics.

How can we avoid situations where patients are not fully informed?

In order to avoid situations where patients are not fully informed about their medical condition, we must continue to remain focused on the patient — even if it means that other clerical obligations are left unattended. Kevin R. Campbell is a cardiac electrophysiologist who blogs at his self-titled site, Dr. Kevin R. Campbell, MD.

Why do some physicians avoid delivering bad news to patients?

Some physicians may avoid delivering bad news altogether — often keeping patients in the dark. While a paternalistic approach to medicine was accepted as the status quo for physician behavior in the 1950s, patients now expect to play a more active role in their own care.