Ethics and rehabilitation of the patient with severe burns.
In the case we present, a physician's order for the treatment of a patient with severe burns unfolds into an ethical dilemma for an occupational therapist. Several conflicting thoughts-in terms of the appropriateness and plan for treatment, while trying to maintain the patient's best interest as the central focus-come to mind. We examine the therapist's ethical responsibilities in light of considerations of futility, nonmaleficence, financial costs, and team relations. Several options for responding to the case are suggested.
Chiburis
L
L
Creighton University, Omaha, USA.
Brown
K
K
Haddad
A
A
Coppard
B
B
D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D018447:Medical Futility; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D010146:Pain; D017009:Professional Autonomy