Question

Linda is a student in training to become a physical therapist. Dr. B., who is the head of the Physical Therapy Department, has told Linda that she helps the patients too much. Many times he has said, "You can't go home with the patients. They must learn to take care of themselves." Nearing the end of her program, Linda is doing very well in all her studies, but she fears Dr. B. will not give her a good performance evaluation unless she can better prepare her patients for independence.

One of her patients, a 72-year old woman recovering from a stroke, is adamant in her refusal to walk with either a cane or a walker. She insists on remaining in her wheelchair because she is afraid of falling, and Linda is sympathetic to her fears.

In addition, a statement that Linda heard in one of her classes, "First of all, do no harm," has always influenced her behavior. Linda is very reluctant to force her patient to do something she does not want to do.

Please answer the following Case Questions (20 points):

1. How can Linda balance the benefits and harm of encouraging her patients to do something they do not want to do?

2. In your opinion, is Dr. B. placing too much pressure on the student?

3. Is this a legal problem, an ethical problem, or both? Explain your answer.

4. Who should Linda talk to about her dilemma?

Answer 1

1.Some of the benefits of encouraging her patient to do something they do not want to do are

• This can improve the self skill of the patient, that they are the person who has to recover from illness
• Can enhace their confidence ,if did the activity which they refused to do
• It can not only give physical strength but also a psychological strength
• Can inform her patient that she is a student and legally not permitted to assist patient to their homes

The harms are

• It can make the therapist patient relationship to be hampered
• Can create a sense of mistrust,disbelief and loss of hope and support from a healthcare professional to a patient

2.Dr.B was right on the side of teaching faculty because it is not possible for a physical therapist to visit each patients home to drop them after the service.Though it can be done on a humanly basis as personal choice but not practically possible and professionally accepted. There are chances that every patient may start demanding.So informing the student is Dr.B's duty and cannot be a pressure for students.

3.This seems to be a legal problem because Linda is a student (means under observation and guidance of an educational institutions)As a concern of protection the students are not supposed to go along with every patients and lead them in their home.

4.Linda can talk with other colleagues regarding this.The best way to clear this dilemma is to get help from a senior or the teaching faculty who can clarify what can be done by a student and what cannot be done by a student.