Question

A non-Indigenous physician working in a remote First Nations community is approached by an Elder who requests involvement of a traditional healer in the care of a patient with chronic pain. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Collaborate with the patient and Elder to safely integrate traditional healing alongside biomedical care, within the patients values and preferences

Answer

Decline the request, stating that traditional practices are unscientific

Answer

Report the Elder to regulatory authorities

Answer

Insist on biomedical treatments only and threaten discharge if traditional practices are used

Answer

Ignore the request and continue usual care

Practice question

A non-Indigenous physician working in a remote First Nations community is approached by an Elder who requests involvement of a traditional healer in the care of a patient with chronic pain. What is the most appropriate response?