End Of Life Flashcards
What might be regarded as a good death?
Depends on who is regarding it eg doctors v patient v relatives v culture/traditions
Most regard a good death as being pain free, at home, with affairs in order
What thought processes are required when dealing with patients who are terminally ill?
Doctors have a duty of care (to save life and preserve life. Must not act to hasten death, difference between not keeping alive and killing). Remember capacity
patients have a right to life (and autonomy which allows for refusal of any treatment, cannot however demand treatment not indicated) and the sanctity of life should be protected
Take note of any: Advance directive/advance refusal of treatment
In the future, what part might doctors take in assisting and supporting a patients wish to die?
Depends on whether euthanasia becomes legal in which case doctors are under a duty of care to their patients to follow their wishes and provide treatment which is a solution to their problems
