Question

Differentiate among concepts of benefits and harms to patients. Where is the line between doing good and causing harm; Who should make that decision?

Answer 1

•Concept of benefit - it include early detection of disease, relief of symptoms, increased quality of life, increased longevity . Harm - side effects, over diagnosis, over treatment, un necessary anxiety. • Main concept of health care providers is preventing harm is more important than providing benefit. Decision should be made by the patients. Example - oral contraceptives pills adavicing to the patient it prevent getting pregnancy. •Sideeffects - venous thrombosis, myocardial infraction, doctors should not make such decisions it is the patient who should decide for themselves. . Aline between doing good causing harm - over treatment and over diagnosis.