Ethics Forum: Difficult Parents and Termination of Care in Pediatrics

Attempts have been made to engage the family in resolving some of the conflicts, including social work support. However, the parents continue to resist recommendations and fail to meet their obligations, such as keeping their appointments.

It was therefore decided to terminate the physician–patient relationship. The family was given a list of pediatric rheumatologists in the surrounding states, as well as lists of local adult rheumatologists. The family ultimately elected to seek care with another local adult rheumatologist.

Dr. Jung is chief of rheumatology at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

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