Death and Dying: A Medical Perspective

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how death has become more clinical and more involved with medical intervention and how, as such, it has been removed from our everyday lives. It discusses how medical professionals of every kind must deal with death and dying issues on a daily basis. It provides a literature review covering aspects of of euthanasia, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and living wills. The common themes identified in studies in end-of-life decisions are discussed and analyzed, and conclusions are reached.

Outline
Introduction
Abstract
Euthanasia
Ending a Patient's Life
Patient's Choice: Consent/Autonomy
Living Wills
Do Doctors Really Act Beneficently?
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Do the patient's desires have any bearing on the outcome of the case? Can the patient be considered to have given informed consent in the matter of the administration of a lethal dose of a lethal drug? In the United Kingdom, all medical professionals are bound by very strict rules regarding informed consent. All patients are considered to be competent to provide consent unless they demonstrate otherwise. In all cases, the medical professional must ask themselves if the patient can understand the decisions being recommended and make a proper decision with the information which has been provided. It must also be understood that a patient who refuses treatment or makes an unexpected decision when full information has been given is not necessarily incompetent, but an unexpected decision may show the need for further explanation by the professional."

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