Putting parents and patients at ease with immunisation is a valuable skill. MIPS is well versed in assisting doctors who have faced difficult situations such as when one separated parent wants to vaccinate their child.
Strategies and skills:
Explaining management when treatment is refused
- Practice patient centred care according to the current and accepted evidence.
- Consider the likely benefit and potential harm in all clinical decisions.
- Place the interests and wellbeing of the child first.
- Ensure patients are well informed (shared decision making) noting the public interest (community at risk of vaccine preventable disease outbreaks) but respecting patient’s rights.
- Improve the community's understanding and awareness of the National Immunisation Program.
- Note and advise the increasing restrictions and limitations on the non immunised child including Government policy.
- Ensure detailed notes are recorded in the medical record.
Patient autonomy
- Patients have a right to make decisions about their medical care.
- Healthcare providers can educate the patient but do not make the decision for the patient.
Clinico-legal sequelae of the certifying objection forms
- Certification of any document may have legal, medical and financial consequences.
- Generally, the only exception will be a medical exemption (medical contraindication or natural immunity certified by an immunisation provider).
- Only sign statements you know or reasonably believe are true.
- Be prepared to verify any certification.
Should members have any queries concerning the above issues please contact MIPS.
