Tag: Patient autonomy

In the United States, the rate of labor induction more than tripled between 1990 and 2020, rising from 9.6% to 31.4% [1.6.5, 1.6.4]. This rise brings questions about interventions, especially: **Can I refuse Pitocin during an induction?** The answer is yes, based on the principle of informed consent [1.2.2, 1.2.3].

It is estimated that over half of medications prescribed for chronic diseases are not taken as directed, leading to potentially severe health consequences. Understanding **how do you deal with a patient refusing medication?** is a critical skill for all healthcare professionals, requiring a thoughtful, empathetic approach that balances patient autonomy with clinical responsibility.