Final answer:
A nurse should introduce a contract to clarify the roles, participation, and responsibilities of both the nurse and the patient. It establishes a clear understanding of what is expected from each party but does not necessarily prevent them from ending the relationship unless those terms are specified.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse should introduce the matter of a contract during the first session with a new patient because it helps to specify the participation and responsibilities of both parties, that is, what the nurse will do for the patient and what is expected of the patient. While a contract can indicate the quality of the relationship and set a professional tone, it does not necessarily prevent either party from ending the relationship prematurely, unless specific terms are included to that effect. Instead, the primary function of such a contract in a healthcare setting is to clarify roles and responsibilities.
Contracts in healthcare are similar to employment contracts, where they play a crucial role in defining expectations and protecting rights. For example, a surgeon may perform a surgery with the expectation of payment, so if the patient fails to pay, the surgeon has recourse through the legal system to enforce the contract. This legal enforceability ensures transactions are conducted properly and maintains economic activity and growth by reducing risks of non-payment.