Psychologic conflict underlying bioethical dilemmas in a chronic disease hospital. Empathy, treatment refusal, and the role of the consulting psychiatrist.
Bioethical dilemmas concerning treatment refusal commonly arise in the chronic disease hospital setting. Psychologic conflict often underlies these dilemmas and the consulting psychiatrist's use of empathy in defining them is elucidated. The limits to empathy imposed by the clinical situation have significant implications for understanding the psychologic aspects of treatment refusal. The need for further study of the psychologic needs of patients in life-extended situations is advocated.
Diamond
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DB
Dedham Medical Associates, MA 02026.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000523:psychology; D004645:Empathy; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000523:psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation