what is unethical treatment?

[nari]

We generally operate within a code of ethics with regard to our behaviour and attitude towards the welfare of our patients and ourselves (including colleagues).

I am interested in thoughts on the following:

I saw a patient in a clinic with chronic pain this week; his lumbar spine is dysfunctional, as is his gait and emotional state (depression).
He has attended a private physio practice once a week for 13 years. (He is on compensation for depression, not for the back pain)
He said they use ultrasound and "do a few twists and turns and massage".
When I asked him did it help, he said:"Don't think so.." and when I asked him why he kept going, he shrugged: "I don't know. I suppose it is doing something"....

Talk about a patient who has lost control of his beliefs and attitudes!

I was rather annoyed by this; but I did not show it to him.

It is a guaranteed income. There can be no other reason....surely?



Nari

[emad]

Hi Nari:

A good topic you are presenting , we meet a lot threough our practice .
as i understand from your post , a patient with low back pain had been going recieve a physio session a week for 13 years .

extremely unethical , however the legislation and ethics code is very strong there in Austr,and i can say people more oriented.

i think the code of ethics there ask the health provider to provide the patient with all his rights (knowledge).

Nari
If the case is hemiplegia , we can say this ethical,scienific to maintain the patient s ability to move as a form of rehabilitaion.

But what i ask you Nari, let us put the past physio mistakes aside , let us discuss your role :
Is it ethical to NOT inform that patient how he was upused/misused?
what will be your view if you are going to be asked by the law ,that you have not informed the consumer?

cheers
emad