ETHICAL ISSUES RELATED TO THE COVID PANDEMIC

This page addresses two aspects of ethical clinical practice in relation to the ongoing COVID pandemic.  The first is the need to take appropriate precautions to protect the health of our patients and ourselves.  The second is building awareness about the special challenges that patients with long COVID may face.

Taking appropriate precautions to protect the health of our patients and ourselves

Each situation is different when weighing whether to meet in person or online and what precautions are indicated for in-person meetings.  The following resources will help you stay current on general medical advice regarding appropriate precautions.

The CDC's main COVID page

The CDC's guide for isolation and exposure,

Santa Cruz County's COVID page

Monterey’s  COVID page

San Benito's COVID page

The FDA's COVID page 

Considering the special challenges patients with long COVID may face

Long COVID  is often debilitating.  Many with long COVID who led active lives are now experiencing great fatigue.  Some report difficulty mustering the energy to walk across the room.

In addition, because the condition is new and not well-understood, there are myriad associated issues and sources of stress beyond the physical ailments.  These include confusion and uncertainty about the nature of the condition and proper treatments.  Our clients may encounter skepticism from medical professionals and others.

Lack of clarity and uncertainty

The client may be confronted with a confusing mixture of symptoms.

Clinical presentations vary considerably in individuals with long COVID.

There are not yet fully reliable ways to diagnose this condition.

Tests carried out may come back normal repeatedly before the diagnosis is confirmed.      

There is a lack of clear information about the best treatments.

Encountering doubt or disbelief about the legitimacy of one’s symptoms.

Complaints are not always seen as credible by one’s doctor.

There may be direct or indirect suggestions that symptoms are psychosomatic or exaggerated.

Friends and loved ones may have similar skepticism leading some to report that they feel they are struggling alone with a difficult and confusing condition. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the MBPA Board if you have further questions or if you have information for inclusion on this page.