title: The practice of terminal discharge: Is it euthanasia by stealth?
abstract: 'Terminal discharges' are carried out in Singapore for patients who wish to die at home. However, if due diligence is not exercised, parallels may be drawn with euthanasia. We present a theoretical discussion beginning with the definition of terminal discharges and the reasons why they are carried out in Singapore. By considering the intention behind terminal discharges and utilising a multidisciplinary team to deliberate on the clinical, social and ethical intricacies with a patient- and context-specific approach, euthanasia is avoided. It is hoped that this will provide a platform for professionals in palliative medicine to negotiate challenging issues when arranging a terminal discharge, so as to avoid the pitfall of committing euthanasia in a country such as Singapore where euthanasia is illegal. It is hoped that a set of guidelines for terminal discharges may someday be realised to assist professionals in Singapore and around the world.
authors.affiliation: National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Lalit Kumar
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Radha Krishna
authors.affiliation: National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Vengadasalam
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Murugam
authors.affiliation: National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Daniel Song Chiek
authors.initials: DSC
authors.lastname: Quah
mesh_terms: D005065:Euthanasia / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012846:Singapore; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics
keywords: Clinical ethics; end-of-life issues; palliative care; rapid discharges; terminal discharges; topic areas