End of Life Ethics in Cancer Patients: Conflicts and Dilemmas
Keywords:
Cancer patients, End of Life, Ethics, Moral distressAbstract
Ethical issues near the end of life arise because of concerns about how much and what kind of care makes sense for patients with a limited life expectancy. There is often physician-family conflict about what constitutes appropriate care. Understanding ethical framework in which such decisions are made can also transform what appear to be problematic questions into straightforward answers. Rapid medical advance over the last century ensured that more options are now available, even as the effectiveness of one wanes. In cancer patient near end of life, common ethical dilemmas include dealing with artificial nutrition/hydration, truth-telling and disagreements over management plans. It would stand clinician in good stead to be aware of these issues and have an approach toward dealing with such conflicts. In addition, organizations have a responsibility to minimize its occurrence and ensure that staffs are supported through the process of resolving dilemmas and conflicts that may arise.
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