Futile treatments author’s description
Futility of treatments is rather a controversial question that arises for the medical personnel, patient and family members. According to the Li (2012), some define it as a cure that has less than 10% chances for the patient to recover, some explain it as a treatment that enables no sufficient prolongation of the patient’s life, some explain that it can just prolong the time of patient’s suffering, and others claim that it delays the inevitable death of the person. In truth, medical workers are often acknowledged with the chances that patient has from the very beginning of the treatment. In such cases, if the treatment is considered to be futile, the deep personal talk with the patient and the family is required. It is also important to understand that avoidance of the futile treatment does not require the avoidance of treatment at all. It means that the patient can die in the ‘obedient’ environment, taking palliative care, surrounded by relatives and being a part of a family. Basically, this is the peaceful and dignified way to pass away. (Li, 2012)
Ethical dilemmas
The main ethical dilemma in the complicated cases with helpless patients is: ‘To treat or not to treat?’. The issue is that there are no guidance or rules for withdrawing treatment. Ethical questions are proposed to get resolved with help of four principles of bioethics: beneficience, non-maleficience, autonomy and justice. (Li, 2012) While the medical personnel, agrees that withdrawal of treatment is better in order to avoid suffering, the majority of the general public states that curing is the best option as this is the direct responsibility of medical personnel. Many ethical issues also arise when the treatment is proposed to be withdrawn. It creates the feeling that if the technology allows, one should use all the means to prolong life and refusal of technological help causes the burden of sentencing patient to death.
The most appropriate decision when conflict arises
The most appropriate decision in conflict situation is to find the common line of understanding between patient and family, explaining all the possible risks and aspects of aggressive treatment along with the description of possible complications. It is important to find the common ground with the family and the patient, showing that medical student both understands and feels ones’ pain and concerns. The role of the medical student should not be underestimated as one is the provider of support, compassion for the patient, who can make the treatment more humanistic.
References
Li, M. (2012) Dealing with futile treatment: A medical student's perspective. Australian Medical Student Journal ; Vol. 3 Issue 2.
