Author: scruffy
Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 6:08 pm
I have written on the subject of induction in that section. But it belongs here too because there is a strong component of ANGER at induction to subs lacking professional regulations. Sub doctors are regulated, but not when it comes to deciding on how they will structure their practice. In one area especially, induction, there should be regulations requiring all doctors to describe the various types of induction, how these meet the needs of various patients, and what he/she is limiting their practice to.
If there is a good fit, then great. If not – which can be very bad for patients. The doctor should be "required" to help with a referral to the correct doctor. This is the professional way of doing things. If mismatches are made, the doctor still gets paid, it is only the patient that suffers greatly.
Doctors are highly paid professionals and thus there should be specific written requirements of how induction will be carried out — at least how it will be initiated – so as to make sure the patient is getting the treatment that will best serve them.
This needs to be a requirement of licensure, not just a recommendation or it will never happen. Doctors do tend to think they have set up a practice as it "should be" – of course. They are not so good at spotting mis-matches and taking the time to make a referral (not to mention losing a patient and spending time with them).
I know there is such a thing as patient responsibility, but that is not enough. There are patients without computers,
patients in small towns with few choices, patients in pain, etc. Induction is the critical time that starts a course of treatment on the direction it will go. This is clearly not an area to be left to the "best guess" of anyone. Or a desperate choice.
It is not, and should be —-highly regulated and structured –with full disclosure and informed consent —-more than usual even. And this is not happening. Whoever makes the rules needs to be informed. Practice needs to get better.
Induction is very much like a legal contract. It is time that it be such– a written agreement with all the options and choices spelled out and explained in writing. And then signed.
