I would like to comment on:

"but I also feel that the people best able to provide =
a decent context remain the medical fraternity. It is possible that if =
one sees the stats above a woman might be frightened away from therapy =
which could save her life."

This view most certainly concurs with a patriarchal perspective of practitioner client relationships in which the professional has more power than the "patient".  It places the "medical fraternity"  at the top of the power scale and implies that the contribution of other health care professions is less worthy. This also means that physicians own information that the rest of us do not have the capacity to fully understand and that the physicians have the power to decide what we will or will not learn as clients.

This views strongly negates a systemic, client focused perspective of health care that regards all members of the health care team, including the client, as equal yet, unique contributors to a whole system. A systemic view of client/ practitioner relationships enables the client to receive optimal feedback and information from varied viewpoints. This style of interchange is conducive to the basic ethical obligation of health care providers to facilitate the process of informed decision making!!!! 

A process of informed decision making is facilitated in relationships in which clinicians and clients work together towards an evolving goal of facilitating optimal health based on client needs. Basic principles in an approach that places the client as central and active, include respect for the client as an equal human being.  A client centered practitioner will acknowledge that the client has knowledge, life experience and coping capacities that stem from a life outside of the client role. In situations in which clients state outright or appear to have difficulty dealing with difficult situations, client centered practitioners will support and assist the client in finding ways to cope with adverse situations that suit the client's specific needs. 

In other words, equal relationships between clinicians and human beings enable clients to make their own decisions about their health in a supportive atmosphere. Clients are recognized as able beings and that includes the right to  know anything that a practitioner knows including information about procedures that might carry even the smallest risk! The client will then, perhaps with the help of a supportive clinician, decide what that risk means to them personally!!  

Hence, as professionals we do not have the right to withhold information, any information, due to our perceptions of a client's possible actions. We must remember that throughout our lives we will all be presented with many challenges and obstacles.   It is the obligation of the practitioner to provide optimal information that will enhance health care decisions when the challenges pertain to health.

Keren Epstein-Gilboa 
PhD (candidate), MEd, BScN, RN,LCCE, IBCLC
 

 

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