Question

Omar, a client in your busy medical practice, has been diagnosed with terminal

cancer of the bowel. The doctor has strongly recommended a course of
chemotherapy for Omar as well as surgery. Omar has refused. "I believe I can
have a bigger quality of life with the time I have left," he told the doctor. You, as
the office manager, have come to know Omar well. You know how commitment
he is to his family and that he values life and health immensely. You believe that
Omar is making the right decision. The doctor, however, has asked you to speak
with Omar to try and persuade him to consent to treatment. The doctor feels that
accepting treatment will prolong Omar's life by several months.
a. How would you respond in a similar situation?
b. Do you think Omar has the right to make his decision without undue
interference on the part of the doctor?
c. What do you think Omar means when he says he would rather enjoy a
higher quality of life without the treatment as opposed to a few more
months of life that treatment may be able to offer?

Answer 1

Explanation:

In a similar situation, I would approach Omar with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the difficulty of his decision and his desire to prioritize his quality of life. I would also explain the doctor's perspective on the potential benefits of treatment, but ultimately respect Omar's autonomy and right to make decisions about his own medical care.

b. Yes, Omar has the right to make his own decision about his medical care, as long as he has been fully informed about the risks and benefits of different treatment options. It is important to respect patients' autonomy and allow them to make decisions that are consistent with their values and priorities.

c. Omar may mean that he values being able to spend time with his family, engage in activities he enjoys, and maintain his physical and emotional well-being more than he values prolonging his life for a few more months through chemotherapy and surgery. He may feel that the potential side effects and impact on his quality of life from treatment outweigh the benefits of a slightly longer lifespan. It is important to listen to and respect patients' perspectives on their own care and prioritize their values and goals.