title: Ethical principles for patients, families and doctors to consider.
abstract: An approach based on Ethics can lead to better and more nuanced decision-making. Several guidelines on the initiation of and withdrawal from dialysis provide assistance in these deliberations. Each of the bioethical principles are important. Autonomy does not override the other principles. In difficult cases Nephrologists should seek the advice of colleagues and, where available, a Bioethicist.
authors.affiliation: Depts of Renal Medicine and Palliative Medicine, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Brennan