Surgical decision making
10.3760/cma.j.issn.1673-9752.2012.01.002
- VernacularTitle:外科决定
- Author:
Wanyee LAU
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Surgeons;
Surgery;
Decision
- From:
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery
2012;11(1):4-7
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
In managing their patients,surgeons have to make clinical decisions.Looking back,some decisions are correct,while others are incorrect.Does making a wrong clinical decision by a surgeon constitute professional negligence? Typically,a surgical decision has to be made within a relatively short time,as the patient's condition often would not allow any delay in treatment.When a decision is made,it often has to be made when there are inadequate data,and the decision is often a major one:to operate or not to operate.In summary,any clinicalsurgical decision should be based on a clear knowledge of when and what decision has to be made,a full understanding of all the available options,the pros and cons of each option,a full understanding of the opinion and the wish of the patient and his/herrelatives and friends,a clear appreciation of the surgeon's own ability,adequate and clear communication with the patient and his/her relatives and friends on the reasoning behind the decision.
