Pedia Pain Focus: Ethics in the Era of Opioid Epidemic and Marijuana Legalization

Ethics in the Era of Opioid Epidemic and Marijuana Legalization

Jun 25, 2018

The obvious benefits of a strong, healthy partnership with patients and families in pediatric pain care are undeniable. But, in a time when a clinician may be held responsible for everything, criminal negligence, or child abuse related to undertreatment of pain or contributing to prescription drug abuse because they treated their patients' pain with medication, a better understanding of the fine and murky line of a clinician's ethical obligations becomes essential. Dr Douglas Diekema sheds light on the ethical concepts and guidelines for clinicians to effectively navigate these issues providing best possible care for their pediatric patients.

Takeaways in This Episode

What is the ‘‘best interest’’ principle in care of pediatric patients
Where does the ‘‘best interest’’ principle fall short?
What’s the role of the “harm principle? Who does it affect?
The parameters around “autonomy” in care of pediatric patients
Is there such a thing as “the Mature Minor” and where does it come into play in pediatric care?
Controversies around opioids prescriptions
Role and obligations of clinicians in prescriptions of opioids
Considerations when a clinician is faced with request for medical marijuana for a pediatric patient
The bottomline on marijuana use in pediatric patients