Physicians Cave-in to Surrogate Demands for Potentially Inappropriate Treatment to Protect their Jobs

I have identified many reasons why clinicians cave-in to surrogate demands for potentially inappropriate treatment. But a new article in J Pain & Symptom Management identifies yet another factor: job protection.

"The study showed that 20% of physicians felt their job security was threatened by patient satisfaction scores, and 59% felt their job compensation was linked to these scores."

"When faced with a clinical dilemma similar to that described earlier, EPs may find it more expeditious to comply with the family’s requests to intubate."