If a client doesn't want to complete a medical history, do you treat or not?

I definitely wouldnt treat a client without having a medical hsitory. It goes against everything I have learnt. Contraindications for starters but also I like to know about mental attitudes as well as physical conditions and going through someones history gives you an insight into them and encourages them to open up about themselves.

Hi, i am Julia Rhodes of West London Colonics .
Answering this question requires a little scene setting. Colonic Hydrotherapy as an art form is a treatment with client and therapist working in tandem. It is not a medical intervention, and does not pretend to be. It is however a health–related intervention. I think a good hydro therapy session usefully can mirror some of the best strategies from medical practice. For instance, the therapist takes the responsibility to explain what is happening, and tailoring the treatment around client needs, safety and comfort. Medics call information sharing ahead of the session full disclosure. It applies both to therapist and client . The colon hydrotherapist needs to talk not only about the plus points of colon hydro therapy, but also the occasional negatives. And the client also needs to adopt the attitude of disclosure – sharing issues that may have a bearing on the colonic treatment . When both are in place, that provides the bedrock for the next stage of the therapeutic relationship, informed consent.
Without full disclosure ( so the client knows whets what , and the therapist knows what they are dealing with ) there is not informed consent( on either side). I know I am applying the two terms slightly differently than does the medical profession, but it works for me.

Hi, i am Julia Rhodes of West London Colonics .
Answering this question requires a little scene setting. Colonic Hydrotherapy as an art form is a treatment with client and therapist working in tandem. It is not a medical intervention, and does not pretend to be. It is however a health–related intervention. I think a good hydro therapy session usefully can mirror some of the best strategies from medical practice. For instance, the therapist takes the responsibility to explain what is happening, and tailoring the treatment around client needs, safety and comfort. Medics call information sharing ahead of the session full disclosure. It applies both to therapist and client . The colon hydrotherapist needs to talk not only about the plus points of colon hydro therapy, but also the occasional negatives. And the client also needs to adopt the attitude of disclosure – sharing issues that may have a bearing on the colonic treatment . When both are in place, that provides the bedrock for the next stage of the therapeutic relationship, informed consent.
Without full disclosure ( so the client knows whets what , and the therapist knows what they are dealing with ) there is not informed consent( on either side). I know I am applying the two terms slightly differently than does the medical profession, but it works for me.

if they are unwilling to disclose any medical info then yes do not treat. in my 5 year experience i have never had anyone refuse to give any medical info but at the same time i sit them down and let them fill out a questionnaire on the record card then the indemnity states ' i have read and understand the questions asked above. to the best of my knowledge the answer given are correct at date of signing. i have not witheld any information that may be relevent to my treatment. ' then ge tthem to sign and date. under the data protection act you are required to get keep all details confidential and UP TO DATE!

The important thing to emphasize is that a relevant medical history is not only necessarily for safety and legal reasons, but it is also in the patient's best interest. Personally I wouldn't turn them away. If you explain that the information is required to take the consultation any further, it is entirely their choice whether they want to disclose the information and continue or if they want to end the consultation at that point.

Hi, I would't treat anyone without a full medical history, for the reasons already given in the previous replies. Just explain to the person the reasons why you need the medical history and reassure them that the information won't be shared with anyone else. You are right to trust your gut instinct! Good Luck!

hi mario, i would definately NOT treat anyone who refuse to complate there medical history,why refuse ? it could be they are hiding something or they dont trust you ? my instint would say no.
sophia

I would definately not treat anyone who refuses to disclose their medical history...its sounds like they are certainly hiding something. As much as we love helping people there has to be a point where we choose to look after ourselves and consider the implications a decision may have on our own career. They should also appreciate we are only looking after their medical wellbeing.

Hi, automatically NO. If it is reflexology and not body massage there may be a small 'but'. If you can create a disclaimer which your insurance company is happy with that basically covers all contraindications and get your client to sign and date it. That way you are not asking them to tell you what they have got but rather checking what they haven't got, then it is a slightly different situation. If they refuse to sign that then do not treat. Also tell them they are antisocial!! (maybe not).The choice is yours, trust your instincts. I would not treat. xx

Hi Mario, I would not treat a client without a full medical history, Why refuse to complete the questionaire?????????Hiding something ???? Have you tried asking the Questions maybe your client is not able to read or write English, (just a thought) And always trust your gut feeling it is near enough always right. Love & Light Bea

I possibly would but I would make a list of all contraindications and get them to sign a disclaimer to at least say that they don't have any....They may not want to reveal a long ago problem that they are embarrassed about....

Dear Mario, It would really depend on the client. Is their attitude closed, belligerent? How they present, physically, emotionally and psychologically. Sometimes a client will want to know why I need t to know their religious beliefs and, as a Naturopath, this is important as their belief system determines their diets quite frequently etc etc. I am able to back up my reasons for wanting a medical history.
Sometimes clients may wish to gauge your 'worth as a practitioner' on whether you can supply a diagnosis without knowing their symptoms (which is a no no for any practitioner to diagnose) - and I can usually flush that one out! As Sarah said, what if they were to suffer from DVT, or a female on the first trimester of pregnancy. If the apparent lack of disclosure included not giving contact details then i definitely wouldn't treat.

Would not treat. What are they trying to hide? I sometimes let clients refuse to give me marital status but that is about it. How do you know what to treat or not to treat if you do nt have full medical details. Would also be concerned that if anything untoward happened,you would not be covered by insurance

no i wouldnt want to treat ..

I wouldn't treat either. You might be treating them when they have a contraindication and if nothing else, if they don't trust you how good a result are you likely to get. It's difficult but be strong and say sorry but no.

I wouldn't treat. They need to tell you their medical history so you can treat appropriately. What if they hadn't disclosed they'd suffered from DVT which is a contraindication? Check your insurance too, as not having a medical history may invalidate it.