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Legal and Ethical Considerations for Palliative Care

   

Added on  2020-04-01

2 Pages501 Words86 Views
Legal and Ethical considerations for Palliative care Medical care during terminally ill patients has been drawing the attention of medical researchers.Medical professionals have often found themselves in ethical dilemma about the nature of treatment given to patients during their last days. This discussion would give an insight into the medical and legal aspects attached to the provision of palliative care to terminally ill patients. Terminally ill patients go through severe pain and discomfort during their last days. In such crucial situation, doctors have to make a rational and safe decision for the betterment of their life.It’s a doctor’s ethical dilemma to decide as to withdraw or withhold the treatment for such patients (Seale, 2009). Whilst there are ethical considerations, medical bodies have many laws and other relevant medical evidence concerning such sensitive issue (Thorns, 2010).A patient has the right to refuse any harsh treatment if he or she has been suffering for sustained period of time. Herein, doctors have to play an active role to find medical care in the best interestof the patients. Patients should be informed about the course of medical treatment during this crucial stage. Effective communication helps in dithering away conflicting issues between physicians and terminally ill patients and make informed decisions. If the treatment is not possible, However, if a state is reached where patient’s condition is worsening, then preservationof life should be give its due attendance (British Medical Association, 2007). Doctors can potentially focus on pain management for such patients to alleviate extreme pain. Patients under extreme pain are advised to be treated with opioids (Hanks et al., 2001). Given the legal hassles, it becomes difficult for doctors to figure out medical solutions to reduce pain and improve quality of life. There is dire need to address these legal entangles to support patient-centered careduring the last days of life.

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