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Geriatric Quick Consult      Decision-making Capacity      Don't #2

Don't impose your values on patients or families

Knowledge Action
Too often, physicians assume that their patients share their value systems, and that the patients will choose what the physician thinks is the best course of action.

Older patients often have very different priorities from their physicians.

They also have different life experiences, knowledge, and beliefs.

Be careful to listen, and don't over-ride patient's feelings with strongly felt opinions.
  • Don't expect the patient to agree with you


  • Respect patient's value system
[Geriatric Quick Consults | Decision Making | Decision Making Do's and Don'ts]