End of Life Issues

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews and discusses end of life issues. According to the paper, modern technology has made complex things that were once simple and straightforward. The paper goes on to say that to continue life-sustaining care in the face of certain eventual death, or to allow nature to take its course sooner, rather than later, is an extremely difficult decision. The paper reports that psychologists play a vital role in helping those responsible for care to make informed decisions; decisions that fit with their own moral sense, and which are in accord with general notions of what is ethical, and what is not. The paper notes that the American Psychological Association (APA) has formulated a code of ethics that addresses the full range of professional and moral concerns that a practicing psychologist is likely to encounter.

Outline:
Introduction
The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002)
The Ethical Challenges of End of Life Issues
Current Regulations and Recommendations

From the Paper:

"The definition seems to satisfy the needs of autonomy - the reference to "one's" choices, as opposed to those imposed from the outside, while at the same time elucidating the concept of "being a burden on one's family." The statement also distinguished between suicide, and a legitimate decision to end pain and suffering, even if that decision results in death. Understanding such religious sentiments, or being able to translate them into the formulations of other religions, or even atheistic philosophies, can go along way toward helping the psychological counselor in his or her mission to aid caregivers, and to help them assuage the pain and trauma of making such difficult decisions of life and death."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Asch, A. (2005). Recognizing Death While Affirming Life: Can End of Life Reform Uphold a Disabled Person's Interest in Continued Life?. The Hastings Center Report, 35(6), 31+.
• Beder, J. D. (2004). Voices of Bereavement: A Casebook for Grief Counselors. New York: Brunner-Routledge.
• Burt, R. A. (2005). The End of Autonomy. The Hastings Center Report, 35(6), 9+.
• Davison, G., & Hyland, P. (2003). Chapter 9 Palliative Care: an Environment That Promotes Continuous Improvement, Learning, and Innovation. In Technology, Health Care, and Management in the Hospital of the Future, Geisler, E., Krabbendam, K., & Schuring, R. (Eds.) (pp. 103-123). Westport, CT: Praeger.Doverspike, William F., Ph.D., ABPP. (2003). "The 2002 APA Ethics Code: An Overview." News and Views. URL: http://www.division42.org/MembersArea/Nws_Views/articles/Ethics/ethics_code.html.
• Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. (2002). American Psychological Association.

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