Patient Care Case Study

Paul Smith is a fifth year Dental student who is sitting his final examinations in a month’s time. He however feels over the last few months, he has trouble focusing and concentrating on his studies. He goes to see his nearest medical center and makes an appointment to see Dr Wayne, a practicing Neurologist. He asks Dr Wayne to prescribe him medication to help him stay focused and think better. Mr. Smith stresses it is just as a temporary measure so he can excel in his upcoming examination.

Dr Wayne listened to Mr. Smith’s story understanding that he was under great stress and on an academic scholarship, from a single income family - who were awaiting his qualification so he could assist the family financially. Current literature has shown the Modafinil might assist Mr. Smith focus during the examination period. Dr Wayne explained to Mr. Wayne that as he had no symptoms of any neurological disorder or signs of attention deficit disorder (ADD) prescribing a cognitive-enhancement drug would be difficult to justify.

Clinicians Thoughts

There are various
In this case, is Dr Wayne under an ethical obligation to respect autonomy of Mr. Smith? This principle does not necessarily always supersede other ethical principles. Clinicians do not cede to autonomy by prescribing medications because a patient has requested one (Shaw, D. 2012). The clinician can decline a request for NE if, in their clinical judgment, the patient’s welfare will be compromised. In this case if Dr. Wayne declines to prescribe a NE, the respect for autonomy compels him to explain his rationale to Mr. Smith. This must be done is a manner that the patient can understand and with the utmost respect. It is also the duty of the doctor to help his/her patient to assist him/her in identifying other ways in which in which he can achieve his goals without the use of NE. This could include exercise, adequate sleep, hygiene etc (Geppert & Taylor,