Abstract
Patients presenting to the emergency department who refuse recommended treatment present substantial management and medicolegal problems for the emergency physician. Members of the Jehovah's Witness religion, who number approximately 700,000 in the United States, create specific medical, ethical, and legal challenges when they require but refuse necessary blood component therapy. Appropriate management involves timely medical intervention, an awareness of the religious rights and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses and a sound understanding of the ramifications of their emergency care. A protocol is presented for responding to opposition to transfusions by Jehovah's Witnesses. The protocol should increase the likelihood of an effective medical and ethical response by emergency physicians and should help to protect against potential legal actions.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
