NY Times on when a patient goes against medical advice:

This was clearly what Jeanette wanted to hear. She told me how she had exerted herself all day, helping to prepare the Thanksgiving meal. She had gotten sweaty and lightheaded during dinner and then passed out. “I just overdid it,” she explained. “I’ll be just fine.”

I reminded her once more that the safest thing was to go the hospital. There was even a chance she could die, I warned. But Jeanette had made up her mind. She thanked me for my concern and told me she would see me at her next appointment, in roughly three weeks.

I told the paramedics they could leave, and reminded Jeanette or her daughter to call again immediately if there were problems.

Patients always have the final decision after weighing physicians’ recommendations. If they refuse, document well.

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