Question

You suspect an attending doctor is developing Alzheimer's (gets lost on the way to the bathroom; has forgotten general medical practice; can't remember cases after the residents present them). What do you do?

A) Report your concerns to the hospital administration.
B) Ignore the signs and carry on with your work.
C) Confront the doctor directly about your suspicions.
D) Keep it confidential and monitor the situation.

Answer 1

If you suspect an attending doctor is developing Alzheimer's, it is important to keep the situation confidential and monitor it closely. Monitoring involves observing the doctor's behavior over time and assessing their ability to practice medicine safely. If their condition worsens, further action may be necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you suspect that an attending doctor is developing Alzheimer's, it is important to take appropriate action to protect the well-being of patients and the doctor themselves. One recommended course of action is to keep the situation confidential and monitor it closely.

This approach allows for confidentiality, which is an important aspect of healthcare. By keeping the situation confidential, you protect the doctor's privacy and ensure that they are not stigmatized or judged prematurely. Monitoring the situation involves observing the doctor's behavior over time, noting any further signs or symptoms of cognitive decline, and assessing their ability to practice medicine safely.

If the doctor's condition worsens and it becomes clear that their Alzheimer's is interfering with their ability to provide effective care, it may be necessary to take further action. This could include referring the doctor to their supervisor or to the appropriate medical board for evaluation and potential intervention.