Some observations on post-coma unawareness patients and on other forms of unconscious patients: policy proposals.
The concern of this paper is with various forms of unconsciousness. Special attention will be given to patients in PCU commonly termed as Persistent Vegetative State (PVS). I reject the term PVS, arguing that for ethical reasons we should strive to resort to terminology that does not offend the patients and their loved ones. I further urge hospitals not to cease treatment of PCU patients younger than 50 years old within a period of less than two years. This is especially true for patients who entered a state of unawareness due to traumatic causes. The two-years waiting period should be regarded as the minimum period of evaluation before foregoing hopes for patients' rehabilitation and return to some form of cognition. I provide data and human stories from the Israeli experience to substantiate this argument.
Cohen-Almagor
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Department of Communication, University of Haifa, Israel.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D003128:Coma / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008875:Middle Aged; D014474:Unconsciousness