what was the doctor belief
Answers
Explanation:
Doctors must be prepared to set aside their religious and other personal beliefs if these compromise the care of patients, according to the latest ethical guidance from the UK General Medical Council.
This could include removing a Muslim doctor’s face veil if it impedes proper communication between patient and doctor, the guidance implies.
“Some patients, for example, may find that a face veil worn by their doctor presents an obstacle to effective communication and the development of trust,” it says.
“You must be prepared to respond to a patient’s individual needs and take steps to anticipate and overcome any perceived barrier to communication. In some situations this may require you to set aside your personal and cultural preferences in order to provide effective patient care.”
Doctors who oppose abortion on grounds of conscience are told that although they may refuse to carry out the procedure they must tell the patient of her right to see another doctor and make sure that she has enough information to exercise that right. If she cannot readily arrange to see another doctor, they must ensure arrangements are made for an alternative doctor to take over her care without delay and must not leave the patient with “nowhere to turn.”
They must also not refuse to provide care for patients before or after an abortion, however much they may object to the procedure. They must also refrain from trying to impose their personal or religious views on patients.
The rules on conscientious objection that cover abortion also apply to doctors who object to the circumcision of male babies and children, unless clinically indicated, on the grounds that the child cannot give informed consent.
And a doctor who opposes cremation but is the only person legally able to sign the cremation form as medical attendant cannot refuse to sign on the grounds of belief. Refusal could lead to a referral to the coroner and a postmortem examination, causing delay and distress to the relatives.
The guidance also covers Jehovah’s Witnesses’ refusal to accept blood transfusions. The doctor should not make assumptions about a Jehovah’s Witness’s attitude to blood and blood products but should seek the patient’s views and answer any questions. The guidance suggests contacting the Watch Tower Society, which keeps details of hospitals and doctors specialising in “bloodless” medical procedures.
Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf, fellow of the Interfaith Alliance, said, “We strongly support the GMC’s commitment to providing guidance for doctors on issues of belief and faith in clinical practice. Doctors are in a position of power in relation to their patients. This guidance makes it clear that any attempt by doctors to impose their religious or political views would be an abuse of that power.”
The Medical Defence Union has also published new advice for members on personal beliefs, including dilemmas that have been raised in telephone calls to the union’s medicolegal helpline.
Answer:
Doctors must be prepared to set aside their religious and other personal beliefs if these compromise the care of patients, according to the latest ethical guidance from the UK General Medical Council.
This could include removing a Muslim doctor’s face veil if it impedes proper communication between patient and doctor, the guidance implies.
“Some patients, for example, may find that a face veil worn by their doctor presents an obstacle to effective communication and the development of trust,” it says.
“You must be prepared to respond to a patient’s individual needs and take steps to anticipate and overcome any perceived barrier to communication. In some situations this may require you to set aside your personal and cultural preferences in order to provide effective patient care.”
Doctors who oppose abortion on grounds of conscience are told that although they may refuse to carry out the procedure they must tell the patient of her right to see another doctor and make sure that she has enough information to exercise that right. If she cannot readily arrange to see another doctor, they must ensure arrangements are made for an alternative doctor to take over her care without delay and must not leave the patient with “nowhere to turn.”
They must also not refuse to provide care for patients before or after an abortion, however much they may object to the procedure. They must also refrain from trying to impose their personal or religious views on patients.
The rules on conscientious objection that cover abortion also apply to doctors who object to the circumcision of male babies and children, unless clinically indicated, on the grounds that the child cannot give informed consent.
And a doctor who opposes cremation but is the only person legally able to sign the cremation form as medical attendant cannot refuse to sign on the grounds of belief. Refusal could lead to a referral to the coroner and a postmortem examination, causing delay and distress to the relatives.
The guidance also covers Jehovah’s Witnesses’ refusal to accept blood transfusions. The doctor should not make assumptions about a Jehovah’s Witness’s attitude to blood and blood products but should seek the patient’s views and answer any questions. The guidance suggests contacting the Watch Tower Society, which keeps details of hospitals and doctors specialising in “bloodless” medical procedures.
Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf, fellow of the Interfaith Alliance, said, “We strongly support the GMC’s commitment to providing guidance for doctors on issues of belief and faith in clinical practice. Doctors are in a position of power in relation to their patients. This guidance makes it clear that any attempt by doctors to impose their religious or political views would be an abuse of that power.”
The Medical Defence Union has also published new advice for members on personal beliefs, including dilemmas that have been raised in telephone calls to the union’s medicolegal helpline.