title: The problem of futility: III. The importance of physician-patient communication and a suggested guide through the minefield.
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthcare Ethics, St. Joseph Health System, Orange, CA.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Gregory
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Cotler
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003142:Communication; D003144:Communication Barriers; D032921:Consensus; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003657:Decision Making; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D004644:Emotions; D006117:Grief; D006126:Group Processes; D006167:Guilt; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000592:standards; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000592:standards; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D010358:Patient Participation; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011379:Prognosis; D012945:Social Values; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000592:standards*; D035501:Uncertainty