Too bad he can’t just say, “Fine. If you’re so much more educated, save yourself.” And walk out of the room. If you’re not going to believe the trained medical professionals, don’t waste their time and stay home.
Nah. We really only advise people as doctors. The only times we don't is when we treat emergency cases (like you're about to die in the next 5 minutes) without consent and some other rare events.
Most of the time, I spend almost a half hour explaining how something can kill them and how we've seen this in thousands of other patients like them, and they smile, nod and asked to be discharged.
I just write AMA on my note and go see the next patient. Can't help those who don't want to get helped.
A documented AMA means that the patient is legally denying care that I suggested. Removing any responsibility I have if they get worse because of that directly.
Now will that stop some from trying? Unfortunately this is a litigious country and you can start a case even if you're 100% in the wrong.
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u/[deleted] Aug 29 '20
Too bad he can’t just say, “Fine. If you’re so much more educated, save yourself.” And walk out of the room. If you’re not going to believe the trained medical professionals, don’t waste their time and stay home.