What do you do when a senior colleague, boss or supervisor continuously executes a clinical intervention in a clearly inappropriate manner? You know this is not the best that the patient could have got. It could even be extremely damaging. Are you going to be the whistleblower and risk your job and career? Or are you willing to take the risk for much sought after societal attention? This is indeed a difficult situation and one that can cause immense mental stress. You may not be the only one aware of the situation but circumstances dictate that you are best placed to initiate remedial action. I have been in this position and the only way to tackle it is through communicating the issue without being insensitive. But this cannot happen in a vacuum. It can only take place in the background of a relationship of trust and mutual respect. In fact the nature of your relationship is the key. If you seem judgemental or accusatory, then you will reach a difficult to cross roadbloack. Communicating the positives in choosing alternative modes of action is the best way to let the person know that change is worth considering. At no point should it feel that the person is being blamed for his actions. Keep in mind that change in practice is the objective of the conversation, not a change in the person's values. This can help keep emotions out. Also speak tentatively leaving room for the other person to put up some resistance. Hearing out the other persons' version will reinforce his or her belief that you are out to help not blame.
But sometimes, no matter how you try, the background of mistrust, the lack of confidence in your perspective or plain obstinancy can derail any effort. However you will know that you tried and continuing negative outcomes could at some point in the future trigger a recollection of what you were trying to say.
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