Case studies in medical futility.
Technology has provided means to sustain life and provide care regardless of whether the treatment is appropriate and compassionate given the condition of the patient. This study presents two case histories, compiled from historical patient charts, staff notes and observations, that illustrate the variety of ethical issues involved and the role culture plays in the decision making process related to possible futile medical treatment. Ethical and cultural issues related to the cases are discussed and processes are presented that can help hospitals to avoid, or decrease the level of, medically futile care, and improve the cultural appropriateness of medical care and relationships with patients.
Mains
Douglas A
DA
Health Management and Policy Department, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA. dmains@hsc.unt.edu
Coustasse
Alberto
A
Lurie
Sue G
SG
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000628:therapy*; D000368:Aged; D003144:Communication Barriers; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D018447:Medical Futility / Q000941:ethics*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications; D026706:Paternalism; D017582:Renal Replacement Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics*; D016414:Resuscitation Orders; D013675:Technology, High-Cost / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics*