End-of-Life Care: Ethical Issues & Medical Futility - Essay Sample

Introduction

Providing adequate treatment for patients who are dying allows doctors to be mindful of the ethical problems related to end-of-life care. Efficient advance care preparation will ensure patient end-of-life control even though the patient has lost the decision taking power. Medical futility in the clinical setting can be defined as an intervention that does not permit the intended therapy aim to be achieved (Pino & 2019). Unless this procedure is compatible with the dying patient's wishes, medical services may be withheld, including artificial foods, and hydration. Doctors who care for terminally ill patients accept suicide-assisted physician orders. The physician will lay the groundwork for the order, and collaborate with the healthcare team to provide the patient with comfort and support. Doctor-assisted suicide could undermine the conventional relationship between patient and physician and put vulnerable communities at risk. The doctor has a moral obligation to ensure proper treatment for patients who can easily die.

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I find it very difficult to talk about death and to die since it creates a lot of anxiety and fear. Death may be devastating and overwhelming when someone close to you dies. It may develop a feeling of depression and hopelessness. However, stress about death is an entirely normal part of human life. I do feel extreme fear and anxiety when I consider that death is inevitable. Therefore, there is an increasing feeling of loneliness, isolation, and distress if we do not address what matters to us. People find it difficult to talk about what is happening to a dying person. Since they fear to make the matter worse by saying something wrong, they address nothing due to the notion that professionals know best (Pino & 2019). However, the willingness of someone dying to talk about what they are undergoing may also be affected by several factors. The fear of being a burden to friends and family members may prevent them from talking about it.

Having encountered death and dying issues at a personal level, I find a greater appreciation for life. I see a need for self-understanding and greater compassion for others. People should not allow self-denial to prevent them from talking with one another during a health crisis. I find it reasonable to worry about becoming critically ill. Therefore, one should not lose hope but find a way to work through pain and fear. There will be less space for worrying about the future and dwelling about our past if we try to live in the present moment. Patients are faced with a decision on whether to or not to accept a particular treatment process. However, I feel that before any course of treatment is undertaken by a physician, he must make the patient aware of his plans. A patient has the right to refuse or accept treatment after they have been informed about the available options by the physicians. Patients who are mentally capable and sound mind of making an informed decision should not be forced to accept treatment against their will.

I consider the feeding tube to be a heroic measure towards the end of life. For instance, if a patient stopped eating and unable to take pills, the physician may suggest a feeding tube to save the patient from dehydration and loss of life. The law considers heroic measures to possess a higher risk of a patient's health. They can cause further damage to the existing health condition. However, such measures are undertaken as the last option with the explicit knowledge that any lesser treatment leads to loss of life. In most cases, patients do not accept such measures since they consider them painful and expensive. Despite their perceptions of the issues, they need to understand the importance of life and the pain of losing someone close. Patients should adhere to the extraordinary treatment measures when called upon by physicians since those measures are only undertaken when all the available options have been exploited.

The body, mind, and spirit are connected; therefore, there is a connection between someone's sense of wellbeing and beliefs. The strength gained from prayers, religion, and meditation may contribute to patient well-being. Improvement in the spiritual health of a patient may not cure an illness, but it may make the patient feel better. It may also promote the healing process. Therefore, it is appropriate to incorporate faith into addressing death issues. Losing a relative or a friend is one of life's most enormous stress. Those who undergo such situations can quickly recover after receiving comforts from their religious leaders. It is necessary to involve chaplains as members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. The ASHA Code of ethics provides guidelines and frame for physicians in support of day to day decision making. It requires doctors to support discussion around end-of-life care and the use of advance directives. Therefore, autonomy can be retained even though the decision-making ability of a patient is impaired.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we all have a different relationship with death and dying. Therefore, we are shaped by our personal experiences, family history, and religious beliefs. The only thing we have in common is that death and dying will be a significant part of our lives. Most people will experience losing someone they love and care about in life. The simple fact is that we are all going to die; therefore, it necessary to talk about it. Patients should share their thoughts with physicians to acquire treatment according to their wishes. They should not focus on pain and fear of their situations but find a way to overcome the condition. Heroic measures are necessary to save lives when other alternatives have explored; therefore, patients should adhere there to them. Spiritual beliefs need to be considered as palliative care for patients to boost their healing process.

References

Pino, M., & Parry, R. (2019). Talking about death and dying: Findings and insights from five conversation analytic studies.

Todi, S., Chawla, R., & Mani, R. K. (2020). Ethical Principles in End-of-Life Care. In ICU Protocols (pp. 269-275). Springer, Singapore.