Practical use of the HINT statement – focus on informed consent
Practical use of the HINT statement – focus on informed consent
Our job is only to enable the enquirer to have enough information to make a fully informed decision, so that they can truly give informed consent.
This applies to any and all medical interventions.
Possible situations – the parent / prospective patient / enquirer:
Claims to have experienced adverse effects of a particular intervention, including a vaccine;
They should contact their GP and request their GP submits a Yellow Card notification of the possible adverse effect.
Where communication with the GP is not possible, the caller should complete the Yellow Card themselves in order to enable the MHRA regulatory body to accurately record possible adverse effects. This will contribute to an increase in vaccine safety.
The Yellow Card can be completed online here: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/
Asks whether they should have a particular intervention, including a vaccine or vaccines:
As a practitioner it is not our job to advise, it is our job to enable them to make an informed decision. They are asking us for advice so they already have questions. It is their responsibility to research the questions that they have and then to consider the possible benefits and possible harms of any medical intervention. With regard to vaccines, one possible starting place is to read the package inserts for the vaccine in question, which they can find online or can request from their GP.
As their health care provider, it is our responsibility to support them whatever their decision regarding the intervention, including vaccines.
Asks about removing toxins after having had flu vaccine/ other vaccine.
If they have concerns about their health, they will need to make an appointment. Their concern about possible after effects of an intervention, including a vaccine, is just one more aspect of their overall case.
If they believe they have had an adverse effect it needs reporting to their GP – follow the suggestions re the Yellow Card process, see 1. above.
In the case of vaccines, as is listed on the package insert, some people may experience adverse reactions and this would be considered as part of their overall case, including why they might have been susceptible to the intervention.
It is important to stay grounded, this is your consultation.
Don’t take it personally, let go of anger, dread, anxiety, just do your job. As homeopaths we practice compassionate detachment.
In the case of vaccines, it is likely that any reporter looking for a story has been convinced that homeopaths are a danger to public health, and has never done their own research into the possibility of adverse reactions. They may have small children of their own that they think will be endangered.
One of the most important decisions a parent/guardian will make about their child’s health is whether to follow the NHS vaccine schedule. In order to make an informed decision, it is important that they have access to a balanced selection of sources and are able to weigh potential benefits against potential risks.
HINT provides the following selection of links but takes no responsibility for their accuracy or for the websites on which they are hosted.
http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/Vaccinationchecklist.aspx
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/childhoodvaccinations.htm
http://vaccineriskawareness.com/Pro-Vaccine-Arguments
http://vaccineriskawareness.com/Pro-Vaccine-Arguments-Page-2
http://www.whale.to/vaccines/ingredients.html
http://vaccineriskawareness.com/vaccine-damage-payment-units/
http://vaccineriskawareness.com/the-immune-system/
Above all stay professional. Exercise humility.
Report any suspicions you have to your professional organisation so they can support you.
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