End Of Life Flashcards
What’s the definition of Euthanasia?
Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending a person’s life to relieve suffering
Whats the difference between active and passive euthanasia?
Active is a deliberate act.
Passive is withholding or withdrawing treatment
- voluntary - patient request
- non-voluntary - without patient consent (or unable to give consent)
Whats the definition of Physician assisted dying?
Prescribing life ending drugs for terminally ill, mentally competent adults to administer themselves after meeting strict legal safeguards.
What’s the current legal stance on euthanasia in the UK?
Illegal in all countries.
Could be prosecuted as murder on manslaughter.
What’s the BMA’s stance of physician assisted dying?
Neutral since 2021
What are the ethical principles that must be considered during the discussion around Euthanasia?
-Autonomy
-Non-maleficence
-Beneficence
-Justice
What is the Doctrine of Double Effect?
Permits healthcare professionals to administer potential fatal medication, provided that their INTENTIONS are purely to control symptoms.
What’s the aim of hospice care?
Improve the lives of patients living with an incurable illness
What is DNACRP?
It means DO NOT attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cpr)
What does ReSPECT stand for?
Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment
What is the purpose of ReSPECT forms?
-Create personalised recommendations for the patient’s care
-There for future emergencies
-Incorporates patient preference and clinical judgement
What are some challenges involved in achieving a ‘good death’?
-Truthfulness with patients
-Enabling informed consent
-Allowing time to prepare
-Avoiding isolation
-Overcoming a wall of silence
-Maintaining hope by accompanying them on the journey
What are the 5 stages of grief?
-Anger
-Denial
-Bargaining
-Depression
-Acceptance
