What should a physician ensure before proceeding with a treatment after a refusal?

A physician must ensure that the patient understands the consequences before proceeding with treatment, especially after a refusal. This is fundamental to informed consent, a key ethical principle in medical practice. Informed consent requires that patients grasp not only the nature of the proposed treatment but also the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives involved.

By confirming that the patient understands these aspects, the physician demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy and decision-making rights. If a patient has previously refused treatment, it becomes even more critical to ensure comprehension, as this refusal signifies a preference that must be addressed before any further actions are taken. The process of ensuring understanding helps mitigate legal risks associated with proceeding with treatment against the patient's wishes, as it protects the physician from claims that the patient was not adequately informed.

Other options may touch upon important considerations in medical practice, but they do not directly address the ethical and legal importance of informed consent. For instance, while insurance coverage can affect treatment choices, it does not pertain directly to the patient's understanding of the treatment itself. Similarly, cost considerations and obtaining another physician's approval may be relevant to practice but do not replace the necessity of ensuring that the patient is fully informed and understands the consequences of their choices.