Unrepresented patients are among the most overlooked and vulnerable groups in healthcare. These individuals lack the capacity to make medical decisions and have no family members or legal surrogates to act on their behalf. They are often homeless, socially isolated, elderly, or living with mental illness or substance use disorders. When physicians encounter such patients, they face a challenging ethical and legal dilemma—how to proceed with care in the absence of consent.
This article outlines key considerations and strategies to help physicians navigate these complex situations effectively and ethically. Key Guidelines for Managing Unrepresented Patients 1. Recognize the Patient’s Vulnerability Unrepresented patients face a heightened risk of overtreatment, undertreatment, or delayed care. Physicians should exercise extra caution and clinical judgment to ensure decisions are made in…
