All Exams  >   UCAT  >   Situational Judgement for UCAT  >   All Questions

All questions of Medical Ethics & Professionalism for UCAT Exam

What is the most ethical approach when a patient’s family demands a treatment that is not medically indicated?
  • a)
    Provide the treatment to satisfy the family
  • b)
    Explain why the treatment is inappropriate and discuss alternatives
  • c)
    Ignore the family’s request without explanation
  • d)
    Refer the case to another provider to avoid conflict
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Samuel Clarke answered
Understanding the Ethical Approach
When a patient's family requests a treatment that is not medically indicated, it is crucial to navigate the situation ethically and responsibly.
Importance of Patient-Centered Care
- Ethical practice in healthcare prioritizes the well-being of the patient.
- Providing unnecessary treatment can lead to potential harm, both physically and psychologically.
Clear Communication
- Explaining why the treatment is inappropriate ensures that the family understands the medical rationale.
- Open dialogue helps build trust and rapport between the healthcare provider and the family.
Discussing Alternatives
- After explaining the inappropriateness of the requested treatment, it’s vital to present suitable alternatives.
- Discussing options empowers the family while keeping the patient's best interests at heart.
Addressing Family Concerns
- Listening to the family's worries and motivations behind their request can provide insights into their perspective.
- Engaging them in the decision-making process fosters collaboration and alleviates their anxieties.
Avoiding Conflict
- While options A, C, and D may seem easier, they risk alienating the family and undermining the therapeutic relationship.
- Referring to another provider may not resolve the issue and can create confusion and distrust.
Conclusion
Choosing option B promotes ethical standards in medicine by ensuring treatments are evidence-based while fostering communication and understanding with the patient’s family. This approach ultimately leads to better patient outcomes and satisfaction, aligning medical practice with ethical principles.

How should a healthcare professional handle a mistake that caused no harm to a patient?
  • a)
    Ignore it since no harm occurred
  • b)
    Document and report it to improve processes
  • c)
    Hide it to protect their reputation
  • d)
    Blame a colleague to avoid responsibility
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Importance of Transparency in Healthcare
Handling mistakes in healthcare is crucial for maintaining patient safety and trust. Even if no harm occurred, acknowledging errors is essential for several reasons.
1. Fostering a Culture of Safety
- Encourages open communication among staff.
- Promotes an environment where errors can be discussed without fear of retribution.
2. Learning Opportunity
- Documenting the mistake helps identify systemic issues.
- Reporting it can lead to process improvements that prevent future errors.
3. Building Trust with Patients
- Transparency enhances the relationship between healthcare providers and patients.
- Patients are more likely to trust professionals who are honest about mistakes.
4. Professional Integrity
- Owning up to mistakes demonstrates accountability.
- It reinforces the ethical standards expected in healthcare practices.
5. Legal and Organizational Policies
- Many healthcare institutions have policies that require reporting errors.
- Non-compliance can lead to disciplinary actions or legal implications.
Conclusion
Option 'B' is the best approach as it not only addresses the mistake but also contributes to the overall improvement of healthcare systems. By documenting and reporting errors, healthcare professionals can create safer environments for both patients and staff, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided.

Chapter doubts & questions for Medical Ethics & Professionalism - Situational Judgement for UCAT 2025 is part of UCAT exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the UCAT exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for UCAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

Chapter doubts & questions of Medical Ethics & Professionalism - Situational Judgement for UCAT in English & Hindi are available as part of UCAT exam. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UCAT Exam by signing up for free.

Top Courses UCAT