Ethics and law in the intensive care unit.
Intensive Care Medicine epitomises the difficulties inherent in modern medicine. In this chapter we examine some key medicolegal and ethical areas that are evolving. The principles of autonomy and consent are well established, but developments in UK caselaw have shown that the courts may be moving away from their traditional deference of the medical profession. We examine some recent cases and discuss the impact that these cases may have on practice in Intensive Care.
Danbury
C M
CM
Intensive Care Unit, Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading, RGI 5AN, UK. c.danbury@reading.ac.uk
Waldmann
C S
CS
D032722:Advance Care Planning / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D033222:Judicial Role; D018447:Medical Futility / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D006113:United Kingdom; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence