[Decision-making and end of life care].
Taboos surrounding the end of life and death slowly diminish. People talk more and more about when and how they want or do not want to die, and of what will become of their body after their passing. General practitioners usually accompany their patients in illness and health, but also when death comes near. It is expected from them that, within their relationship to their patients, they create the opportunity to address the patients' last wishes and possibly to formalize them. Three laws as well as the Deontology Code of the Medical Order mention the issue of the last wishes. What comes out is that for the general practitioner, the situation is not always transparent. This article seeks to clarify the definitions (juridical), their perceptions and respect. Furthermore, a proposal that is fully in the spirit of the law is made to simplify current procedures relating to anticipated statements about end of life's wishes.
Vakgroep Huisartsgeneeskunde en Eerstelijnsgezondheidszorg, U. Gent.
M
M
Cosyns
M
M
Deveugele
B
B
Abbadie
M
M
Roland
D001293:Attitude to Death; D001530:Belgium; D003657:Decision Making; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D013609:Taboo; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics*