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Forward2026 SEP CCSS S03: Against Medical Advice Forms: A Bridge or a Barrier? An Ethical Approach to Informed Refusal in Women’s Health
Explore evidence-based practices across the spectrum of women’s health through educational content created by military and civilian Subject Matter Experts specializing in ethics, clinical practice, and health care. These sessions are designed to refine care quality and improve clinical outcomes throughout the patient lifespan. The primary focus of this event aims to enhance the quality of patient outcomes and population health by providing advanced continuing education opportunities to improve the practice, skills, and knowledge of health care providers across the Military Health System.
Target Audience
This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Physician Associates/Physician Assistants, Social Workers, Psychologists, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Technicians, Registered Dieticians, Dietetic Technicians, Athletic Trainers, Case Managers, Certified Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Kinesiotherapists, Healthcare Executives, and other health care professionals who support/care for U.S. active-duty service members, reservists, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, National Guardsmen, military veterans, and their families.
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate an against medical advice form from the process of informed refusal and appropriate clinical documentation.
- Apply the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' RESPECT communication framework when patients decline medically recommended care.
- Use the BRIDGE framework to guide informed-refusal conversations, documentation, safety planning, and continued care in women’s health.
Course summary
Presenting Faculty
Army Capt. Alexa Vercelli, DO, Ph.D.
Chief Resident
Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Md.
Disclosure: DHA J-7 staff, planners, authors, faculty, and content reviewers for this educational activity have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose. No commercial support was provided for this activity.
Requirements: CE/CME certificates are awarded to MHS participants who fully complete the activity, successfully submit the evaluation survey, and pass the posttest with a minimum score of 80% unless noted otherwise. The deadline to claim credit is Oct 8, 2026.
For technical support, email [email protected].
There is no cost to participate in this activity.
Required Hardware/software