Not intervening in patients' lifestyles - is it justified?

Abstract

This is the next in a series of columns,which will appear in future editions.The authors will use the format of a"case study" which will be presented and then be discussed by two doctors (A and B) over a well earned coffee break in their tea-lounge.The authors hope that their exploration of the ethical issues involved in each situation may provoke you, the reader, into thinking more about the ethical issues inherent in everyday Family Practice. lf you would like to pursue any of the issues in more depth, please drop a line to the editor. CASE STUDY: Doctor J, working in a public hospital refuses to see a patient with emphysema because the latter cant stop smoking cigarettes despite the doctor's advice. Can the doctor's argument be justified? What follows is a discussion between two doctors (A & B), on the above question.