title: Autonomy versus futility? Barriers to good clinical practice in end-of-life care: a Queensland case.
abstract: Findings from a Queensland coronial inquest highlight the complex clinical, ethical and legal issues that arise in end-of-life care when clinicians and family members disagree about a diagnosis of clinical futility. The tension between the law and best medical practice is highlighted in this case, as doctors are compelled to seek family consent to not commence a futile intervention. Good communication between doctors and families, as well as community and professional education, is essential to resolve tensions that can arise when there is disagreement about treatment at the end of life.
authors.affiliation: Princess Alexandra Hospital, and Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD.
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.forename: Lindy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Willmott
authors.forename: Eleanor
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Milligan
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Winch
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Malcolm
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000941:ethics; D018447:Medical Futility / Q000941:ethics*; D011793:Queensland; D016414:Resuscitation Orders / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence