[Bioethical principles: are they applied in terminal illness situations?].
Comprehensive practice of biomedical ethics principles (beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice) would guarantee appropriate assistance to patients with terminal diseases. Unfortunately today, these principles aren't put into practice in a systematic way. In order to guarantee quality care to this particular group of patients, it is necessary that all health care professionals dealing with terminal illness receive a comprehensive education in bioethics matters and that an appropriate methodology is followed in order to resolve subsequent conflicts. Furthermore, public institutions should be involved so that Palliative Care Units provide assistance to the entire population rather than select cases. If we can't provide comprehensive care, we are working against the basic bioethics principles, especially the fundamental principle of justice.
Azulay Tapiero
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Servicio de Medicina Interna, Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos, Hospital Dr. Moliner, Valencia. azulay-arm@gva.es
D026688:Bioethical Issues; D026690:Ethics, Clinical; D010166:Palliative Care; D013727:Terminal Care