Watch the videos:
Making End of Life Care Matter
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Palliative Care: Addressing Consent and Decision-Making Challenges
Introduction to Bioethics: Bioethics at the End of Life
Decisions surrounding end of life care for patients can be difficult and daunting for families and caregivers. Additionally, for clinical and administrative caregivers, the added stress of “doing the right thing,” or following legal protocols often induces additional stress and self-reflection. Consequently, caregivers and patients often struggle between quality-of-life verses extension of life. Medical technologies are used to provide an extension of life; however, questions persist as quality of life is weighed. Pozgar (2023) states,
the human struggle to survive and dreams of immortality have long been instrumental in inspiring medicine to develop the means to prevent and cure illness. Advances in medical technology have resulted in the power to prolong a productive life, as well as to delay inevitable death. Those victims of long-term pain and suffering, as well as patients in vegetative states and irreversible comas, are mostly directly affected. (p. 487)
This week we will examine how ethical decision-making processes and patient autonomy are associated with end of life decisions in the health care delivery system. It is important to note that Pozgar (2023) suggests,
medical ethics does not require that a patient’s life be preserved at all costs and in all circumstances. Competent patients may decide whether a particular medical treatment is in their best interest without conflicting with the ethical integrity of the medical profession. (p. 487)
It is vital that the health care delivery system provide patient autonomy as a single aspect of “duty to choose.” In other words, the right to be free from restraint or interference from others to choose the best course of action for self is protected under common law.
In this week’s discussion, address the following from the Pozgar text. Your post should be a minimum of 500 words. In your discussion,
Discuss the human struggle to survive and the right to autonomous decision-making.
Describe how patient autonomy has been impacted by case law and legislative enactments.
Explain end of life issues as they relate to autopsy, organ donation, research, experimentation, and clinical trials.
Describe how human genetics and stem cell research can have an impact on end of life issues.
Define the following terms: preservation of life with limits, euthanasia, advanced directives, futility of treatment, withholding and withdraw of treatment, and do-not-resuscitate orders.
Full Answer Section
How to die well -- stories from a hospice physician | Dr. Monisha Pujari | TEDxAtlanta
- Dr. Monisha Pujari shares personal stories from her experience as a hospice physician.
- She emphasizes the importance of respecting patient autonomy and allowing individuals to die with dignity on their own terms.
- Pujari discusses the role of palliative care in relieving suffering and providing emotional support to patients and families.
- She advocates for greater awareness and acceptance of death as a natural part of life.
How Doctors Tell Patients They're Dying | Being Mortal | FRONTLINE
- This FRONTLINE documentary explores the sensitive topic of how doctors communicate with patients about terminal illness.
- It highlights the importance of honesty and compassion in these difficult conversations.
- The documentary also examines the ethical dilemmas that healthcare professionals face when discussing end-of-life care.
What matters to me: Talking about Palliative and End-Of-Life Care
- This video discusses the importance of having open conversations about end-of-life care with loved ones.
- It emphasizes the need to understand each other's wishes and preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care.
- The video provides tips for starting these conversations and encourages people to make their wishes known.
Doctor Explains Decision-Making Process For Hospice Care
- This video explains the decision-making process for hospice care.
- It discusses the criteria for eligibility and the benefits of hospice care.
- The video also addresses common concerns about hospice care, such as fear of losing control and the possibility of hastening death.
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Palliative Care: Addressing Consent and Decision-Making Challenges
- This video explores the legal and ethical aspects of palliative care, with a focus on consent and decision-making.
- It discusses the importance of informed consent and the role of advance directives.
- The video also addresses challenges related to capacity and surrogate decision-making.
Ethics matters in health
- This short video provides an overview of medical ethics, including the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
- It discusses how these principles apply to end-of-life care decisions.
Ethical and Legal Issues at the End of Life
- This video delves into the ethical and legal issues that arise at the end of life.
- It covers topics such as euthanasia, assisted suicide, and the right to refuse medical treatment.
- The video also discusses the importance of respecting patient autonomy and providing compassionate care.
When the Beginning is the End: Ethical and Practical Issues in Neonatal End-of-Life Care
- This video focuses on the ethical and practical challenges of end-of-life care for neonates.
- It discusses the importance of providing compassionate care to both the infant and the family.
- The video also addresses issues such as futility of treatment and withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment.
4 Pillars of Medical Ethics
- This video outlines the four pillars of medical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
- It explains how these principles apply to end-of-life care decisions.
Introduction to Bioethics: Bioethics at the End of Life
- This video provides an introduction to bioethics, with a focus on end-of-life issues.
- It discusses the ethical dilemmas that arise when making decisions about life and death.
- The video also explores the role of religion, culture, and personal values in end-of-life decision-making.
Introduction to Bioethics: Bioethics at the Beginning of Life
- This video explores ethical issues related to the beginning of life, such as abortion and genetic testing.
Introduction to Bioethics: Bioethics at the Bedside
- This video focuses on ethical issues that arise in clinical practice, including end-of-life care, informed consent, and confidentiality.
Ethics of Life and Death Decisions in Healthcare
- This video discusses the ethical considerations involved in making life and death decisions in healthcare.
- It covers topics such as euthanasia, assisted suicide, and the right to refuse treatment.
- The video emphasizes the importance of respecting patient autonomy and providing compassionate care.