LOVE's mental health consumer/doctor guidelines...
The following is a document containing
mental health consumer/doctor guidelines
developed by Lawrence Organizing
Voices for Empowerment (LOVE).
These guidelines are written so that we can
receive better care and have a common understanding
with our psychiatrist(s) working toward
our common goal of recovery.
The first area we would like to address
is our DIGNITY, RESPECT, an d EQUALITY.
a) We expect to be treated
with DIGNITY, RESPECT, and EQUALITY.
b) Don't patronize us, or talk down to us.
c) Speak clearly to us, and use terms
we understand.
d) Don't ignore us when we're trying to talk to you.
Look us in the face.
e) Don't assume we won't understand
the narure of our illness.
f) Treat us as human beings, don't de-human-ize us.
g) Treat us as individuals, not as a 'text-book' case.
h) We expect you to treat the poorest of patients
as well as the wealthiest patients.
Don't discriminate against patients because they're poor.
INFORMED CONSENT IS REQUIRED BY LAW.
THE FOLLOWING PROCEEDURE IS EXPECTED
TO BE FOLLOWED TO ENSURE
THAT INFORMED CONSENT IS OBTAINED AND DOCUMENTED.
ALL INFORMATION MUST BE COMMUNICATED
IN LAYPERSON'S TERMS.
ALSO, WE MUST BE INFORMED OF OUR RIGHT
TO HAVE A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER PRESENT.
a) Prior to giving the medication,
you, the PSYCHIATRIST,
advise us of the following:
-why we need the medication,
and the nature of our illness.
-the proposed medication,
including benefits(s), side effect(s),
and other risk(s).
-the likely result(s) of not taking the medication(s).
-any available alternatives,
including their benefit(s), side effect(s), and other risk(s).
-our right to consent to or refuse the medication(s).
b) As part of the informed consent process,
YOU will give us a fact sheet describing
the proposed medication(s) and it's risk(s),
and benefit(s)-including complete information
on drug interaction(s).
c) We will sign a second copy of the fact sheet(s),
which is to be placed in our chart(s),
indicating that we have received the fact sheet(s).
d) Both we, the consumer, and you, the PSYCHIATRIST,
will sign a written statement
indicating that we have received
all information-and have either accepted,
or refused the proposed medication(s).
A copy of the signed statement is given to us,
and the orignial statement is placed in our chart(s).
e) If we have a guardian, YOU would follow these guidelines
with the guardian. However, if the medication
is anti-psychotic--although information
should be shared with the guardian,
only a court can give consent to this treatment.
f) You will test us at least every three
to six months for side effect(s).
At that time the informed consent should be reviewed.
g) If we have a human-rights concern
regarding informed consent for medication(s),
we would be reffered to a human-rights officer,
who will be available to talk to us as soon as possible,
and no later than the next business day.
h) If we refuse medication(s), you MUST NOT
use retalitory tactics against us.
THE THIRD AREA THESE GUIDELINES ADDRESS
ARE TREATMENT ISSUES:
a) Tell us how long the medication(s) will be needed.
b) Give us complete information on drug interaction(s).
c) Tell us how long it will be till a drug works.
d) Listen to us when we're having side effect(s).
We want you to deal with these even if
they show as physical problems.
e) Tell us how long the side effect(s) of the drug(s) will last.
f) If we have a negative reaction-TAKE IT SERIOUSLY,
and tell us what is causing it, and what we should do.
g) Tell us if we could become immune to our medication(s).
h) If you wean us off a drug, tell us
how long the process will take.
i) Tell us what will happen if we take too much of a drug.
j) Tell us how much the drug will cost, if we pay out of pocket.
THE FOURTH AREA THESE GUIDELINES ADDRESS
ARE QUALITY OF CARE ISSUES:
a) We should be able to meet
with our psychiatrist as often as we feel appropriate.
(FOR MED CLINIC ONLY:
We should know, IN ADVANCE,
when we will get to see our psychiatrist.)
b) If we can't reach you by phone, there should be
a back-up psychiatrist, to speak with
who has access to our case.
c) If we inform you 4 hours ahead
that we can't make it to our appointment, you should not bill us.
The exception to this would be extreme situation(s)
such as unforeseen hospitalization(s).
FIFTH, WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO DISCUSS
OUR RIGHTS UNDER A ROGER'S DECISION.
IF A ROGER'S DECISION MAY BE PART OF OUR CASE
you must EXPLAIN OUR RIGHTS,
AND IT'S FULL IMPLICATIONS TO US.
FINALLY, WE FEEL THESE GUIDELINES
ARE OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
TO ENSURE QUALITY TREATMENT.
WE EXPECT YOU TO TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY.
WE EXPECT YOU TO REVIEW THESE GUIDELINES,
AT LEAST ANNUALLY WITH EACH CONSUMER.
WE EXPECT THAT YOU POST THEM IN YOUR WAITING ROOM(S),
AND HAND OUT A COPY TO EACH OF YOUR PATIENTS.
