Treatment and Diagnosis over Patient Objection with Dr. Holland Kaplan

Bioethics for the People

In this episode, Tyler and Devan are joined by Dr. Holland Kaplan to unpack a case of sudden-onset psychosis. We discuss the complex interplay between patient autonomy, surrogate decision-making, and the nuance of invasive interventions over a patient’s objection. How do we assess decision-making capacity in an acutely altered state? What happens when a surrogate’s wishes conflict with what clinicians believe is medically necessary? And where should the line be drawn between beneficence and coercion?