‘Doctor’s orders’ is a common and accepted phrase suggesting that one must comply with instructions issued by a medical professional. These orders usually represent strong recommendations related to healthcare, often implying that the patient has little choice but to follow directives given from a position of expertise.

But are you truly obliged to follow any, or indeed all, doctor’s orders?

A quick example comes to mind. My medical work involves issuing sensitive and time-critical directives, which, if ignored, can lead to severe consequences. Not long ago, such instructions were disregarded in a somewhat defiant manner.

Ethically, an adult of sound mind cannot be compelled to adhere strictly to medical advice. Unsurprisingly, what unfolded from that entire process was the worst possible outcome, consequences that could have been entirely avoided by following straightforward recommendations, or ‘orders’ if you prefer.

Indeed, patients are not legally or ethically bound to comply with a doctor’s instructions. And there are many valid reasons for this. You may fundamentally disagree with your doctor’s advice, and that alone is sufficient justification to refuse it.

You might not be concerned about your eventual medical outcomes, even if ignoring medical advice leads to inevitable harm. At other times, you might simply be seeking more time to make decisions or to consult alternative opinions.

Taking responsibility

Regardless of the path you choose when given a doctor’s recommendation, certain principles should guide your decision. Your projected medical outcomes should remain the central concern. If rejecting a recommendation leads to a high risk of death or serious illness, it is wise to reconsider.

If you recognise your doctor as a credible authority in your case, defying their advice may be illogical. On the other hand, ignoring recommendations for minor conditions often results in limited consequences. In the rare instance that your doctor is a charlatan, then indeed, all their advice should be disregarded, though ideally, such a person should never have been consulted in the first place.

In healthcare matters, the patient ultimately has the final say. No one can force you to follow any medical order unless you are a minor or lack mental capacity. Even when non-compliance leads to serious harm, you retain the right to reject medical advice.

However, if your intuition urges you to reconsider your decision, it is wise to proceed with caution. This means reviewing your reasons for defiance, exploring alternative options, and ultimately being prepared to accept full responsibility for the consequences that follow.

Dr Murage is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist.