Module 1: Professional Accountability and Prescribing

Lesson 6

Patient preferences

The patient’s preferences and values are central in determining the best and most respectful form of treatment. In the case of SM, he appears mentally competent and willing to cooperate since he admits to alcohol dependency.  He presents for pain treatment, but SM’s pain experience does not appear to be believed by the providers.  The cause for the pain is not investigated and no treatment for alcohol dependency is offered. The provider gave a small amount of codeine, which was not effective for the pain because the provider believed that SM will become dependent on drugs because he was dependent on alcohol.  This approach was reinforced every time SM presented with pain to hospital.