Abstract

MCQUOID-MASON, D J. What doctors should know when working with surrogate decision-makers who disagree with their treatment plans. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2023, vol.113, n.9, pp.1364-1365. ISSN 2078-5135.  https://doi.org/10.7196/samj.2023.v113i9.707.

Problems arise when a lawfully appointed surrogate decision-maker wishes to decide on a course of action on behalf of a mentally incompetent patient that is against the patient's best interests. This may arise: (i) where there is no advance directive, and the decision is made by the surrogate decision-maker on religious grounds; (ii) where the medical practitioners are of the opinion that the surrogate decision-maker's decision is not in the best interests of the patient; (iii) where the close relatives of the patient do not agree with the decision by the surrogate decision-maker; and (iv) where the surrogate decision-maker asks the medical practitioners to undertake treatment or a procedure on the patient that is unlawful or unethical. Suggestions are made regarding what doctors should do when faced with each of these situations.

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