We have adopted the Platinum Rule in our value education. The reason I like this change to the Golden Rule is because it addresses diversity and does not put my values or what I think the patient wants as a priority but what the patient truly wants. A simple example of this is how we insist on patients having a low soduim diet while they are in the hospital for 3-4 days because we know it is best for them, yet this is not how they want their food served nor will they eat this way at home.

The essence of the Platinum rule is to give credence to the feelings of the patient; this would improve patient satisfaction and would make the stay at the hospital more comfortable

I believe that both rules have merit in healthcare settings, but when taken out of context can lead to significant problems. The golden rule is great if the person truly has a good understanding of what should be done for the individual in question. Just because a practitioner feels that an action performed on a patient is ideal, does not mean that it actually was the best choice. I like Paula's example of the patient on the low sodium diet. I agree with her that we should respect our patient's decisions/choices. However we should still make sure that we do all we can to help shape new decisions for our patients. Hopefully leadership in any healthcare organization will develop guidelines that treat everyone equitable, and looks out for the best interest of all patients, providers, and all other stakeholders. I know that these decisions will not always meet everyones needs, but when determined by leaders that have the common interest in making sound decisions, I believe that this is the best way to go.