Learning modules
Activity 7: Ethical issues & end of life
Ethical issues that arise towards the end of life may be complex. Some examples of ethical issues encountered in palliative care are:
- method and timing of conversations with family members around the imminent death of a loved one
- deciding when to withdraw futile treatment options and communicating this to the patient and their family
- advance care planning (this is discussed in detail in Module 4).
Ethical principles which guide actions and responses to these situations are consistent with principles applied in all areas of health care. These principles include:
- beneficence
- respect
- self-determination
- truth telling
- confidentiality
- informed consent
- justice and non-maleficence. [1,2]
REFERENCES
1. Palliative Care Expert Group. (2010). Ethical Issues. In: Therapeutic guidelines: palliative care. Version 3. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited.
2. Palliative Care Australia. (2009). Advance Care Planning Position Statement. Canberra: Palliative Care Australia. Retrieved September 15, 2010, from http://www.palliativecare.org.au/Portals/46/PCA%20Advance%20Care
%20Planning%20Position%20Statement.pdf
Video
William's story
Thinking points
Activity 7: Ethical issues & end of life
Thinking points
Activity 7: Ethical issues & end of life
- Refer to the ethical guidelines which inform your professional practice.
a) How would you respond in a situation where a caregiver has asked you not to inform the patient about their illness?
b) How do you respond to a patient who tells you that they have ‘had enough’ and no longer want treatment? - Search some recent literature and identify some definitions of the term ‘futile treatment’.
- In what ways could definitions of futility differ between patients and health professionals, and between different health professionals?
