This paper reviews the article "Voluntary Death: A Comparison of TerminalDehydration and Physician-Assisted Suicide" by Franklin G. Miller and Diane E. Meier.
Abstract This paper presents the pro's and con's of terminaldehydration, the total withdrawal of food, water and treatment methods from the patient that hastens his death. The author points out that terminaldehydration may prove to be a stressful and excruciating experience for the patient as well as the caregivers because death by terminaldehydration can take as much as 3 to 4 weeks and is crueler than physician-assisted suicide. The author believes that whatever the reasoning we still cannot justify terminaldehydration or any other form of foregoing life as an acceptable clinical practice and stresses the importance of palliative care based on love and a sense of collective responsibility of taking care of the incapacitated elders.
From the Paper "Since it is within the legitimate rights of the patient to either refuse or accept treatment, terminal dehydration is legally admissible. Hence, there are no real legal conflicts or controversies involved in terminal dehydration. On the other hand, it is a breach of the fundamental rights of the patient and a compromise on his autonomy to coerce him to undergo painful, restrictive and intrusive treatment methods. However, we have to understand that the absence of legal restrictions does not suggest an automatic approval of terminal dehydration as an acceptable clinical practice. In other words, terminal dehydration is not absolved of the ethical and moral controversies which surround other active forms of euthanasia."
Tags: palliative, justification, withdraw, legal, right
Abstract This paper discusses an article in which the author exhorts terminaldehydration as an alternative and legal form of assisting death. The advantages of terminaldehydration over other direct forms of physician-assisted suicide are carefully compared. There is also a discussion of the potential for abuse of euthanasia, especially in view of the ever- increasing and unmanageable costs involved in palliative care.
From the Paper "The author encourages the medical community to consider terminal dehydration, with the voluntary consent of the patient, as a suitable alternative method. However the author cautions that as with legalizing other forms of euthanasia, integrating terminal dehydration as a clinical practice to alleviate the sufferings of terminally ill patients involves a careful consideration of the patients ability to make the decision and to make sure that it does not become a forced or involuntary decision. The author also points out a further justification that favors terminal dehydration."
Abstract Termination is a critical phase in social work. It is a period of emotional vulnerability. This paper examines Martha, a woman with two children who has been engaged in learning programs at a social care facility following a severely abusive relationship. The paper shows that at the end of a one-hundred-and-eighty-day period, Martha now faces discharge from this care facility and an examination of her experiences with termination demonstrates how client termination can be handled in a manner that empowers the client.
From the Paper "The process of terminating a patient from a social care program is difficult (Hepworth & Larsen, 2001). It is not similar to discharging the patient from a hospital or medical care center. A patient in a social care setting tends to have undergone significant emotional bonding to the social care center and its members (Hepworth & Larsen, 2001). In almost all circumstances, clients entering a care center do so at a difficult period in their lives, and the role that the care center plays in their recovery and in helping to develop their futures means that the client has placed a significant emotional and personal investment in the care center (Fortune, 1995; Hepworth & Larsen, 2001). The Sarah Burke House takes these factors into account when they discharge clients."
Abstract The paper discusses how the environment in a home where there is a terminally ill parent is often significantly different than a "well" household. This is not only because this home has the paraphernalia associated with the ill, such as sick beds, pharmaceuticals, wheel chairs and the like. These factors cause tense situations that make all family members more stressful. The paper then discusses how children of terminally ill parents experience other frightening daily occurrences. The paper concludes that youth need assistance in dealing with death and grief in order to help them cope with the changes occurring in their lives.
From the Paper "Many children and families go this situation. According to national statistics, by the age of 15, over a million children in the United States will lose a parent to a terminal illness (Mahoney, 2005). Although numerous programs and resources are available to help those children who are grieving the death of a parent, there are few organized interventions to help families cope with their children's emotional needs during the parental illness and treatment, when help is especially needed."
Abstract This paper examines the effects of dehydration by looking at why water is essential to health maintenance, the functions of water in the body and what happens to the body when it does not get the water it needs. It further compares and contrasts how different electrolytes including sodium, potassium and chloride function in the body. In addition, the paper examines the effects of alcohol and caffeine on hydration levels in the body and what steps people can take to ensure they do not become dehydrated.
Outline:
Introduction
Water and the Body
Water's Role
The Body's Shifting Need For Water
Salt and Water for Proper Hydration
Signs of Dehydration Effects of Alcohol on Body's Hydration
Summary & Conclusion
From the Paper "As the body ages and particularly in the twenties when there is a decrease in growth hormone production the body's perception of thirst decreases. Growth hormones "regulate water in conjunction with histamine." (Klotter, 2001) Aging of the body results in a lesser awareness of thirst and resulting is a lessening in water consumption and the water content "within cell decreases so that cellular water can be redistributed to the brain and other vital functions" of the body. When the body does not intake enough water the body's neurotransmitter "histamine is activated" which in turn "activates prostaglandins, kinins, and vasopressin, in an effort to redistribute water according to priority." (Klotter, 2001) When the body doesn't receive enough water, resulting can be problems that include damage to the DNA as well as "reduced efficiency of DNA repair system, immune suppression, and irregular protein production in cells, which encourages cancer cell formation." (Klotter, 2001) "
Abstract This paper provides a philosophical argument concerning terminal illness. The premise is that the arguments of two philosophers, John Stuart Mill and Immanuel Kant, are used to inform a hospital patient that she is suffering from a terminal illness.
Abstract As a universal practice, the field of medicine functions as a single dimension, focusing on the medical model of seeking causes and solutions from scientific perspectives. Until recently, however, many patients with terminal illnesses such as cancer and heart disease have claimed the correlation of their religion and faith in sustaining their hope to recover from illnesses. This assertion has caught the attention of diverse health professions and led to research and studies in the analysis of religion or spirituality as an element in the medical process. This paper explores the assertions and idea of spirituality as being able to help in the healing process of terminally ill patients. The recognition of the value of elements such as faith and religion by both patients and doctors is one of the essential aspects of this study's research and analysis.
Table of Contents
Spirituality
Hypothesis
Review of Literature
Methods
Proposed Statistical Techniques
Expected Findings
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "A medical assessment article indicates that spirituality is an element that exists within medical stages faced by a patient. This is identified through a patient's demonstration of hope for recovery, or discovery of cure despite the possible results of a disease such as physical abnormalities or death. Despite the unexplainable occurrences transpiring between spirituality and the field of medicine, the positive behaviors and improved physical conditions demonstrated and testified by terminally ill patients provide supporting evidence to the positive association of spirituality in medicine."
Abstract Everyone dies. Prior to that moment, there lies a need for comprehensive, compassionate care of the terminally ill patient. This paper examines three primary arenas for the provision of palliative care. Firstly, the paper examines the hospital setting with 24 hour staff, pharmacy and equipment, acute care and ready access to care. It then looks at nursing homes which provide similar benefits, but in a more comfortable, private surrounding. Finally, the paper looks at inpatient hospice programs which accommodate terminally ill patients in their own homes with the broadest spectrum of palliative care. Proper planning, through the establishment of advanced directives and communication between the patient, his or her family, and the attending physician, enables the implementation of the most desired and most appropriate level of care when needed.
From the Paper "For those individuals whose life expectancy and acuity level make the hospital setting impractical, another option exists in the form of terminal care in the nursing home. Approximately 20 percent of Americans will die in skilled nursing facilities. (Keay & Schonwetter 2). Grouping terminal patients in such a manner provides a unique opportunity to address their needs. With a more comfortable, private space for the patient, a staff present at all times, and ready access to medicines, the nursing home seems primed to provide a measure of care that could match or even surpass the hospital environment."
Abstract This paper reviews Steven Spielberg's movie 'The Terminal', discussing the movie's focus on one man that has entered the United States to put the past of his father at peace. The paper reports that the main character soon discovers that his country has undergone a civil war while he was en route to the United States and the powers that have overtaken his country have now abolished its existence. Airport authorities, therefore, refuse to honor his visa and confine him to the airport terminal. The paper further discusses the apparent cultural differences and language barriers between the main character and the airport employees.
Abstract This paper discusses the difficulties that may be associated with having a terminal disease, in terms of a patient's contentment with life. It describes the resources and support that Canadian patients with terminal disease are fortunate in possessing. It discusses how these resources of a well-trained, empathic health force and modern facilities support social well-being. The paper provides examples from the literature.
From the Paper "Quality of life in patients with terminal illnesses such as terminal cancer is no doubt a large concern for nurses. Unlike acute disease processes, terminal diseases in patients, while therapeutic relations between nurse and patient can strengthen over time, must also be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of treatment. In this case, it is the preparation of the patient and family in body, mind and spirit for that inevitable transition from life to death. Interventions to improve the quality of life of these patients have significant value as portrayed in the previous articles."
Tags: palliative cancer, quality of life, treatment death
Abstract This paper discusses the process of managing change when adapting information technology (IT) to new uses. It discusses the need for core technology with enabling technology, which enables the core to achieve certain specific tasks. The paper particularly focuses on a police agencies, using mobile data terminals that have been adapted to the specific needs of police work.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
IT and Change
Management and IT
Traditional v. High-Technology Companies
Mobile Data Terminals Conclusion
From the Paper "In New York City, the NYPD is not the only police agency operating in the city. The Port Authority Police Department is another such entity, with a jurisdiction that ranges over a radius of twenty-five miles and covers all of the major arteries into New York City. JFK alone encompasses 5,000 acres with ten terminals and can be seen as being like a small city. The PAPD has an authorized strength of 1,400 police. AS in most departments, the PAPD commanding officers use the analytical data they can gather so that they can recognize anticipated public safety threats and allocate their resources to those threats. State-of-the-art communication capabilities are an important component of this preventive strategy, and to this end, the PAPD has placed mobile data terminals inside police cars to enable police to communicate immediately with motor vehicle bureaus and other government entities for fast background checks of detained persons (Morrone, 1998, paras. 9-12)."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that many people are unable to care for themselves due to old age and disabilities. Many of them may feel as if they are a burden to their families and society because they have to be taken care of by others. The writer points out that a problem that has to be faced is what to do with the people that feel this way and maintains that euthanasia could be a way to deal with this problem. The writer argues that physician-assisted suicide should be a legal option for terminally ill patients because they may feel like the physical and emotional pain is too much to bear, they may not be able to cope financially with a long-term illness, and also because patients may decide to commit suicide because euthanasia is illegal. The writer concludes that terminally ill patients should have the option to end their life rather than enduring long-term suffering.
From the Paper "Legalizing euthanasia would make the option available to people to be able to choose to end their life when they feel it is time. They can choose the time, the date, and where their life will be taken which makes death a more comfortable point in time for both the patient and also the patient's family. Even though some physical pain can be controlled, it is still a constant burden on the mind of many patients. Many do not want to be hospitalized on life support for a long period of time or die in a retirement home without their loved ones near them. Emotional pain, however, cannot be dealt with quite as well because the patient may have the constant feeling that they are only a burden to their family and to society."
Abstract The paper defines types of ballistics and goes into depth on terminal ballistics, velocity, and one-stop shots. The author discusses the effects and actions of the projectile upon impact of a target specifically the human body. What happens when a bullet strikes human flesh? Dismisses several theories in the field using FBI research.
From the Paper "The study of the firing of projectiles, their flight and how they strike a target is called ballistics. There are several categories of ballistics including internal ballistics, external or exterior ballistics and terminal ballistics. Internal ballistics is concerned with the behavior of the bullet or projectile from the moment it is fired until it leaves the gun barrel. Exterior ballistics deals with the flight of a projectile after it leaves the barrel. One major effect of the bullet's flight is the pull of gravity, which causes the bullet to immediately drop after leaving the barrel and fly on a parabolic path. Terminal ballistics however, is concerned with when the bullet hits a target and the effects produced by that bullet."
Abstract The paper discusses how every individual handles a terminal diagnosis in his own way. It shows that a patients' experiences while dying is in large part dependent on the nature of their illness, as well as on patient, family and health care professionals' reactions to it. The paper studies different factors which might cause an increase in stress.
From the Paper "Unfortunately, despite such efforts, many patients and health care professionals do not understand that patients who suffer from PTSD at the end of life can still respond to treatment. According to Short (1991), the information flow of imagery is a very good way to deal with terminally ill patients who are suffering from a chronic or terminal illness such as cancer. The purpose is to decrease physical symptoms. Stress reduction techniques such as biofeedback may be used to reduce heart rates and skin reactivity. Once a patient has physical problems, physiological problems may also arise. Various types of memories from the body or mind can re-occur through actions or thoughts. For example, in one case a patient envisioned cancer cells attacking her friend. She had had breast cancer two years prior, had undergone chemotherapy, and was medically healthy. Expressing her emotions by replacing herself with her friend made it apparent what she was feeling and then started to steer her away from hopelessness (Short, 1991)."
Tags: care, diagnosis, fatal, ill, pts, terminally
Abstract Until recently, national governments of most countries have long been the sole owners and operators of their domestic and international airports. At present, a growing number of countries have been exploring ways to more extensively involve the private sector as a means to provide capital for development and improve the efficiency of all airport operations. This paper outlines the reasons why privatization is taking hold, how it may be financed, who is taking part in this strategy, who benefits from privatization and the time frame for privatization projects.
The paper makes use of tables.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Airport Terminal Operations - Past and Present
Problems
Business Foundation and Mission for Growth Expectations
Focus of Privatization
Marketing Edge
Benefits
Limitations
Where Privatization is Taking Hold
Facilitators of Change
Streamlining the Process of Changeover
Financial Objectives
Paying for the Metamorphosis
Raising Capital
Market Promotion and Acceptance
Target Market - Concessionaires
The Benefactors - Good Business Breeds More Business
Airlines and Other Service Providers
Labor and Workforce Efficiency
Conclusion
From the Paper "The costs involved with basic ATO are relatively fixed. In government operated airports, there is generally no correlation to the potential amount of retail sales revenues, travel volume and pedestrian traffic.
Besides federal grants, other major sources of funding for airport development are passenger facility charges, bonds, and airport revenue. With FAA approval, airports can collect up to three dollars in facility fees from each traveler. In the United States, the FAA administers federal grants that are made available from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to help support capital development projects that enhance airport capacity, safety, security, and noise mitigation. Most grants are allocated on the basis of a legislated apportionment formula and set-aside categories earmarked for specific types of airports or projects. Also, the FAA also has the discretionary authority to allocate the remaining funds on the basis of needs identified by airports. With FAA approval, airports can charge facility fees from passengers as well.
Financial analysis, retail planning and economic impact studies all help to combine philosophies on what approach to take when finding the money and resources to make the plan a reality."
