Handling cases of 'medical futility'
CM Gallagher, RF Holmes - HEC forum, 2012 - Springer
CM Gallagher, RF Holmes
HEC forum, 2012•SpringerMedical futility is commonly understood as treatment that would not provide for any
meaningful benefit for the patient. While the medical facts will help to determine what is
medically appropriate, it is often difficult for patients, families, surrogate decision-makers and
healthcare providers to navigate these difficult situations. Often communication breaks down
between those involved or reaches an impasse. This paper presents a set of practical
strategies for dealing with cases of perceived medical futility at a major cancer center.
meaningful benefit for the patient. While the medical facts will help to determine what is
medically appropriate, it is often difficult for patients, families, surrogate decision-makers and
healthcare providers to navigate these difficult situations. Often communication breaks down
between those involved or reaches an impasse. This paper presents a set of practical
strategies for dealing with cases of perceived medical futility at a major cancer center.
Abstract
Medical futility is commonly understood as treatment that would not provide for any meaningful benefit for the patient. While the medical facts will help to determine what is medically appropriate, it is often difficult for patients, families, surrogate decision-makers and healthcare providers to navigate these difficult situations. Often communication breaks down between those involved or reaches an impasse. This paper presents a set of practical strategies for dealing with cases of perceived medical futility at a major cancer center.
Springer