Physicians who are faced with a patient who refuses to undergo prescribed annual screening should attempt to engage them in shared decision making and educate the patient about the risks and benefits of the test.
Health care professionals have a responsibility to educate patients about public screening programs and ensure that subsequent follow-up is done after the screening is completed.
Physicians should fully understand the ethical principles and professional standards involved in making decisions for the treatment of impaired newborns.
Physicians should be aware when developing a treatment plan that patients' lack of trust in the medical profession can affect their willingness to seek medical treatment and comply with the treatment.
Despite their added benefit in assisting physicians with clinical decision making, statistical prediction rules have not been widely used since their introduction in 1954.
Physicians need to be aware of and guard against the liability risks of having nonphysician clinicians provide services that do not meet the standard of care of the practice due to the staff member's inadequate experience or supervision.