Ethical issues in palliative care

Danielle N Ko; Pedro Perez-Cruz; Craig D Blinderman

doi:10.1016/j.pop.2011.03.003

Ethical issues in palliative care

Prim Care. 2011 Jun;38(2):183-93, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2011.03.003.

Authors

Danielle N Ko¹, Pedro Perez-Cruz, Craig D Blinderman

Affiliation

¹ Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

PMID: 21628034
DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2011.03.003

Abstract

Ethical problems in medicine are common, especially when caring for patients at the end of life. However, many of these issues are not adequately identified in the outpatient setting. Primary care providers are in a unique and privileged position to identify ethical issues, prevent future conflicts, and help patients make medical decisions that are consistent with their individual values and preferences. This article describes some of the more common ethical issues faced by primary care physicians caring for patients with life-limiting illness.

MeSH terms

Advance Care Planning
Decision Making
Humans
Pain / drug therapy
Palliative Care / ethics*
Terminal Care / ethics*
Withholding Treatment / ethics