Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
-
GPs, at least in the United Kingdom, often run behind schedule in their clinics. This lateness is an inherently ethical problem due to the negative consequences it generates. ⋯ The major reasons for lateness can be classified as GP-related, patient-related, and third party-related. The major negative consequences of lateness in general practice might be classified as the potential disturbance to quality and safe care, the dissatisfaction of and inconvenience to subsequent patients, and the disruption of timely care. These negative consequences must be burdened by some party-either the patient who is related to the reason for the lateness, or other patients who are not. While a strict equality approach to managing such lateness does not consider patients' clinical needs, GPs compensating by actively 'catching up' in their clinics threatens quality and safety of care. The paper argues for minimising the negative consequences of lateness for all parties, while simultaneously promoting equity with regard to patients' clinical needs. The ethical status of each major reason for lateness in general practice is explored, and suggestions are offered for how each might be managed to minimise the negative consequences and promote equity.
-
The increasing number of immigrants in the United States (U.S.) has resulted in more patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). LEP contributes to patient-provider language discordance, which may impact oncologic health outcomes. ⋯ Studies assessing the impact of LEP and EP on the health outcomes of cancer patients are sparse and inconsistent in the measurements of outcomes and data reporting. The inconclusiveness of our study indicates that further standardized research is needed to assess the impact of LEP on the outcomes of cancer patients in the United States.