title: Euthanasia--foreseeing death or intending death?
abstract: This article explores decision making in relation to the treatment or non-treatment of seriously ill patients, and offers a philosophical framework with which to examine some of the issues. The author explains the doctrine of double effect and discusses what constitutes 'ordinary' and 'extra-ordinary' care. The need to explore the issue of the 'intent' of the decision-makers is emphasised.
authors.affiliation: Dementia Services, Blackberry Hill Hospital, Bristol.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Packer
mesh_terms: D026686:Beneficence; D003663:Decision Trees; D034723:Double Effect Principle; D004989:Ethics; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005065:Euthanasia; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008020:Life Support Care; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D013727:Terminal Care; D028761:Withholding Treatment