This article presents a previously published framework, summarized in the mnemonic ANSWER (A, Active listening; N, Needs assessment; S, Self-awareness/reflection; W, Whose perspective?; E, Elicit values; R, Respond) for how to respond to the question, “Doctor, what would you do?” when considering medical decisions that are preference-sensitive, meaning there is limited or debatable evidence to guide clinical recommendations, or are value-laden, such that the “right” decision may differ based on the context or values of a given individual. Using the mnemonic and practical examples, we attempt to make the framework for an ethically appropriate approach to these conversations more accessible for clinicians. Rather than a decision rule, this mnemonic represents a set of points to consider when physicians are considering an ethically acceptable response that fosters trust and rapport. We apply this approach to a case of periviable counseling, among the more emotionally challenging and value-laden antenatal decisions faced by providers and patients.
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October 2015
Special Article|
October 01 2015
Doctor, What Would You Do? An ANSWER for Patients Requesting Advice About Value-Laden Decisions
Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, MD;
Departments of aObstetrics and Gynecology, and
Address correspondence to Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 550 N. University Blvd, UH 2440, Indianapolis, IN 46202. E-mail: btuckere@iupui.edu
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Alexia M. Torke, MD;
Alexia M. Torke, MD
bMedicine, Indianapolis, Indiana;
cCharles Warren Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana; and
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Paul Helft, MD;
Paul Helft, MD
bMedicine, Indianapolis, Indiana;
cCharles Warren Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana; and
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Lucia D. Wocial, PhD
Lucia D. Wocial, PhD
cCharles Warren Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana; and
dIndiana University School of Nursing, Department of Community Health Systems, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Address correspondence to Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 550 N. University Blvd, UH 2440, Indianapolis, IN 46202. E-mail: btuckere@iupui.edu
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The authors have indicated they have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.
Pediatrics (2015) 136 (4): 740–745.
Article history
Accepted:
July 29 2015
Citation
Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, Alexia M. Torke, Paul Helft, Lucia D. Wocial; Doctor, What Would You Do? An ANSWER for Patients Requesting Advice About Value-Laden Decisions. Pediatrics October 2015; 136 (4): 740–745. 10.1542/peds.2015-1808
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