PA Quandaries

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PA Quandaries

Should PAs assess and address the impact of implicit bias on patient care?

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC April 24, 2012

Implicit bias is so subtle that colleagues may not recognize it in themselves. Among the signs to watch for are loss of patient autonomy and lack of fairness in treatment.

Surrogate decision makers: What if a  surrogate cannot decide?

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC February 29, 2012

When a surrogate feels ill-equipped to make medical decisions, the first step for clinicians is to be aware of the laws that govern surrogacy.

After the error, then what? The emotional impact of errors on clinicians

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC December 22, 2011

Empathy seems to be on the side of the patient and family, but clinicians also need help in dealing with their feelings after they make a mistake.

The ethics of coding:  Are we committing fraud?

Helene Hill, MPAS, RPA-C, Matthew Hill, MDiv October 19, 2011

What are the ethical obligations of health care providers? Since auditors look to the medical record to validate billing, providers are expected to document thoroughly and completely on every case.

Physician assistants for sale:  Will prescribe for food

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC August 19, 2011

The evidence is consistent: Clinicians believe that their colleagues' prescribing behaviors are impacted by interactions with drug representatives but that their own practices are not. Unfortunately, they are wrong.

Is it better to give, receive, or decline? The ethics of receiving gifts from patients

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC June 28, 2011

The issue of gift giving by patients requires more study, and medical communities would benefit from a sustained effort to examine the complex issues involved in accepting gifts from patients.

HIV exceptionalism and ethical  concerns surrounding HIV testing

Kevin Michael O'Hara, MMSc, PA-C, AAHIVS April 28, 2011

As medical and public health professionals, PAs are sworn to do no harm, but the varied ways to obtain consent for HIV testing challenge this oath.

When your mother wants a script: The ethics of treating family members

Helene Hill, MPAS, RPA-C, Matthew Hill, MDiv February 24, 2011

Ethical principles say that health care providers should not treat family members, but many do so anyway. Careful reflection can help to produce a good outcome.

Is it ethical to substitute restraints for  adequate treatment resources?

Alexandra Godfrey, MS, PA-C, Reamer Bushardt, PharmD, PA-C December 08, 2010

Given that the potential for abuse is considerable, the authors suggest that a policy of minimally restraining patients, increased training, and optimizing restraint alternatives is vital to prevent unethical practice.

Is it ethical to provide enteral tube feedings for patients with dementia?

Zachary Hartsell, MPAS, PA-C, Jennifer S. Williams, MMS, PA-C October 01, 2010

Research does not offer any clear support for or against this practice, making this a difficult decision for both the patient's family and the clinician.