What are some mediation techniques for helping patients and their families agree on treatment options?

When patients and their families face difficult decisions about treatment options, they may have different preferences, values, or expectations. This can lead to conflict, stress, and frustration for everyone involved. As a patient advocate, you can help them find common ground and reach a mutually acceptable solution. Here are some mediation techniques that you can use to facilitate constructive dialogue and collaboration.

1 Identify the issues and interests

The first step in mediation is to identify the main issues and interests of each party. Issues are the specific problems or concerns that need to be resolved, such as the type, duration, or cost of treatment. Interests are the underlying needs, values, or goals that motivate each party, such as safety, quality of life, or autonomy. By clarifying the issues and interests, you can help the parties understand each other's perspectives and priorities, and avoid assumptions or stereotypes.

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Doctorante. Raúl R.

DIRECTOR JURIDICO en Grupo Nichos
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En derecho médico, la distinción entre 'problemas' específicos (como el tipo o costo del tratamiento) e 'intereses' subyacentes (como calidad de vida o autonomía) es esencial en la mediación. Esta aproximación alinea la resolución de conflictos con principios bioéticos como el respeto a la autonomía y la justicia. Permite abordar aspectos prácticos y personales, evitando suposiciones y estereotipos, y fomenta un diálogo constructivo. Clarificar problemas e intereses es clave para soluciones efectivas y éticas, fortaleciendo la confianza en la mediación en el ámbito de la salud.

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Beatriz Bonet

Conecto empresas y personas.
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Como complemento a este primer paso, creo tremendamente necesario y valiosos, sensibilizar respecto del tratamiento en cuestión, más allá de lo técnico... muchas veces son nuestros miedos, inseguridades, desconfianzas, etc que actúan como barreras y dificultan avanzar

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2 Establish ground rules and norms

The second step in mediation is to establish some ground rules and norms for the communication process. These are the expectations and guidelines that the parties agree to follow, such as respecting each other's views, listening actively, avoiding interruptions, or using respectful language. By setting some ground rules and norms, you can create a safe and respectful environment for the parties to express their feelings, opinions, and concerns, and prevent or manage potential conflicts.

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Ab. Juan Carlos Valencia Ocampo

Ecuador based attorney team. We manage all the legal aspects of foreign firms planning to do business in our country.
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El mediador facilita la comunicación y la negociación entre las partes en conflicto para ayudarles a llegar a un acuerdo mutuo. Es importante mencionar que en la legislación ecuatoriana, el proceso de mediación se suscribe en un acta en caso de llegar a dicho acuerdo. Esta Acta de Mediación es un instrumento ejecutable en el sistema judicial y tiene el mismo valor jurídico de una sentencia emitida por un juez. Estas son algunas reglas y normas básicas comunes en el proceso de mediación: 1.- Neutralidad e imparcialidad. 2.- Confidencialidad. 3.- Voluntariedad. 4.- Participación activa. 5.- Escucha activa. 6.- Enfoque en intereses y necesidades. 7.- Comunicación respetuosa. 8.-Enfoque en soluciones. 9.- Flexibilidad. 10.-Acuerdo por escrito.

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3 Explore options and alternatives

The third step in mediation is to explore the different options and alternatives that are available for the treatment decision. These are the possible solutions or outcomes that the parties can consider, such as different types of treatment, combinations of treatment, or palliative care. By exploring the options and alternatives, you can help the parties generate and evaluate various scenarios, and compare the benefits and risks of each option.

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Dr. Álvaro Fonseca Vivas

Presidente en Centro Colombiano de Derechos Reprográficos - CDR
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Es muy importante en este paso porque ayuda en especial los beneficios que se esperan obtener y llegar a una igualdad aspectos que sean personales y profesionales.

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4 Negotiate and compromise

The fourth step in mediation is to negotiate and compromise on the best option for the treatment decision. This is the process of finding a middle ground or a trade-off that satisfies the most important interests of each party, while minimizing the negative consequences. By negotiating and compromising, you can help the parties reach a consensus or an agreement that is acceptable and realistic for everyone.

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Doctorante. Raúl R.

DIRECTOR JURIDICO en Grupo Nichos
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El cuarto paso en la mediación, centrado en negociar y alcanzar un acuerdo sobre el tratamiento, es crucial. Este proceso busca un equilibrio que satisfaga los intereses clave de las partes, minimizando consecuencias negativas. La negociación y el compromiso conducen a un consenso realista y aceptable para todos, respetando las necesidades y limitaciones de cada parte. Este enfoque fortalece la solución al centrarse en la cooperación y la adaptabilidad, aspectos esenciales en decisiones de salud.

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5 Confirm and document

The fifth step in mediation is to confirm and document the final option for the treatment decision. This is the process of verifying and recording the details and terms of the agreement, such as the specific actions, responsibilities, or timelines that the parties will follow. By confirming and documenting, you can help the parties reinforce their commitment and accountability, and avoid misunderstandings or disputes in the future.

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6 Follow up and support

The sixth step in mediation is to follow up and support the parties after the treatment decision. This is the process of checking in and providing assistance or resources to the parties as they implement the agreement, such as emotional support, information, or referrals. By following up and supporting, you can help the parties cope with the challenges and changes that may arise from the treatment decision, and maintain a positive and trusting relationship.

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Ab. Juan Carlos Valencia Ocampo

Ecuador based attorney team. We manage all the legal aspects of foreign firms planning to do business in our country.
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En el Ecuador, el Acta de Mediación tiene un alcance mayor al simple seguimiento y soporte, pues es un instrumento con la misma fuerza judicial de una sentencia civil susceptible de ser ejecutado. Los suscriptores del acta tienen entonces la facultad de acudir ante un Juez para que éste, mediante los recursos (ordinarios y constitucionales) que otorga la ley, haga cumplir (incluso de manera forzosa) los términos del acuerdo.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some mediation techniques for helping patients and their families agree on treatment options?

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1 Identify the issues and interests

2 Establish ground rules and norms

3 Explore options and alternatives

4 Negotiate and compromise

5 Confirm and document

6 Follow up and support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

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What are some mediation techniques for helping patients and their families agree on treatment options?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the issues and interests

2 Establish ground rules and norms

3 Explore options and alternatives

4 Negotiate and compromise

5 Confirm and document

6 Follow up and support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

Rate this article

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