Final answer:
In the event of a patient or SDM refusing transport or treatment, healthcare professionals must inform the patient of the risks, thoroughly document the refusal, reevaluate the patient's condition, and seek medical direction if necessary. Respect for the patient's autonomy and rights, as well as ethical and legal considerations, must guide their actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient or their Substitute Decision Maker (SDM) refuses treatment/transport to the hospital, there are certain steps that healthcare professionals must follow. These steps are:
- Inform the patient or SDM about the risks of refusing treatment, the benefits of receiving treatment, and any alternative treatments that may be available.
- Document the refusal of treatment in the patient's medical record, including the information provided to the patient about their condition, the risks of refusing treatment, and the patient's understanding of that information.
- Reevaluate the patient's condition to ensure that the refusal is based on an informed decision and that the patient's condition has not changed, which might require a different approach.
- Seek medical direction or consult with a supervisor or legal team as needed, to clarify any legal or ethical concerns that might arise from the refusal.
The steps do not include transporting the patient against their will; doing so could be considered battery and could violate their rights. Instead, these steps are designed to ensure that the refusal is informed and documented, and that the healthcare professional respects the patient's autonomy while still providing the best possible care.
Throughout this process, it's important to respect the patient's rights to privacy and dignity, protect them from personal harm, preserve their confidentiality, and seek informed consent.