Should relatives have the right to observe medical treatment on loved ones ...?

Question

... even if the patient doesn't want them there?

Answer 1

The patient has the final call. I remember that a patient in the ICU had a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order on the bottom of their bed, and they crashed, and by law, we couldn't do anything, but the man's wife went into hysterics telling everyone who would listen that she would take them to court.

It was sad to watch, but it's a grey area in medicine. Especially if the patient is a child.

Answer 2

If I lost my hand in an industrial accident and my brother accidentally swallowed it, I would want to be there to see my hand removed.

If he did refuse to allow me witness, I'd think he was being very selfish.

Are you trying to compare this scenario to a simple birth?

The Mrs. you're on holidays, remember?

Answer 3

Only under the conditions that the relative is the guardian of the patient (a parent or legal guardian of a child or of an adult who due to a lack of mental capacity, must have a legal guardian).

This topic was brought up when someone questioned Minnie Driver for not wanting her baby's father present during the birth.

EDIT- Eohan, I think you would be part of the procedure as well.....even if your brother could swallow your hand.

Answer 4

I'm assuming you're asking this because of my question from yesterday which somebody-very possibly you- got deleted from here.  If that's the case, I've noticed you're asking this very vaguely.  Because of that, I'm going to give a 2-part answer.

First, I'll answer your basic question.  Generally, no, if the patient doesn't want somebody there, they shouldn't be allowed in.  However, there are times when this is unavoidable.  These are times when the person is in charge of the decision-making of the person's well-being, i.e. a parent or guardian.  They have to be there for obvious reasons.  I can't think of any other exceptions to this rule-except for one which I'm about to get into.

For the second part of my answer, I'm going off the assumption that you did ask this because of my question before about fathers being present at their child's birth.  Unless a man has been shown to be a threat to the mother's well-being, yes he belongs there.  Contrary to what many people on here want to think, it's his child too.  In this case, the procedure is being done on the mother of his child, but it's also being done on his child.  He is a caretaker of that child (usually, hopefully).  Therefore, he belongs there too.  If he was good enough to have s*x with, then by God he belongs in that hospital room with the mother.  I know I will be extremely offended if I am kept out for anything other than the well-being of the mother and child.  And since I honestly can't think of any medical reason to keep the man out-short of him having some dangerous contagious disease that he could give them- there is absolutely no reason for him not to be there.

Answer 5

Only if the patient is a minor. Even then, his/her wishes should be taken into consideration.

Answer 6

Yes, I think that people should have a right to observe, IF the patient agrees. In the case of a child, yes the parents should have the right to observe unless there were reasons it was not appropriate.

The one rider I would put on would be IF the presence of the relative did not make it harder for the medical people to do their work.

If they could observe through a window, that would be ideal, but if not, and they had to be in the room, they would need to be self controlled and non-interfering.

If an adult patient does not want them in the room or observing, definitely not. No-one has any right to someone else's medical procedures.

As far as people having the right to be present at someone's death ~ it's not a public entertainment. Many people choose to die when their family members leave the room for a short break, others wait until the family are assembled.

This is about someone's personal dignity, not someone ELSE's "rights".

Cheers :-)

Answer 7

No they shouldn't, it is up to the individual.

Answer 8

Absolutely not. Observing someone going through medical treatment is a priviledge, not a right. Of course, if the patient is dying and they know the relative will be in anguish from now observing it, they can consider that. But ultimately, it is a question of privacy and dignity for the patient. If I don't want someone there for a treatment as I am dying, I would consider it respect for my last wishes and hope that my relatives, if they do love and respect me, would honour that dying wish and let me be in peace.

EDIT: If the patient is a child, there is of course a question of legal responsibility for the parents. Nevertheless, if the child was requesting they weren't present, I would hope that the parents would have the decency to respect their dying child's wishes and live well in knowing that they did so rather than anguishing over their own desires. I am certain that the grief of losing their child would overrun the grief of not being present during treatment. If someone, anyone, doesn't want a person present during medical treatment, they have a right to privacy and dignity in this matter, and my personal stance is that this is more important than the right for anyone to invade that privacy and observe treatment. It is sad that they would experience anguish as a result, but observing someone else in such a vulnerable and private situation is not a right, but a priviledge.

Answer 9

You should only have the right to observe when life is coming into the world and not out.

Answer 10

No. The patient's rights override those of their relatives in a medical situation.

Answer 11

wow, good question

I think it all depends on the person who is being treated, what age they are & are they in their right mind & able to make the best decisions for themselves

Answer 12

No. No. Yes.

Answer 13

I agree with The Mrs. Also, I think there are times when it is perfectly reasonable for the medical staff to refuse any observer, even the legal guardian of the patient.  Eg. during surgery.

Answer 14

No

No

and only if the child wants you there.