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Medical futility.

Steven H Miles

    Law, Medicine & Health Care : a Publication of the American Society of Law & Medicine
    |January 1, 1992
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Medical futility, the determination that a therapy offers no patient benefit, is a contentious medical ethics debate. This discussion reevaluates patient healthcare rights and the goals of medicine.

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    Area of Science:

    • Medical Ethics
    • Bioethics
    • Healthcare Policy

    Background:

    • The concept of medical futility is central to ongoing debates in medical ethics.
    • Discussions surrounding medical futility challenge established principles of patient autonomy and informed consent.
    • The debate raises critical questions about a patient's entitlement to healthcare and the fundamental objectives of medical practice.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore the ethical implications and contentious nature of medical futility.
    • To examine the differing viewpoints on whether physicians should determine and withhold futile treatments.
    • To analyze the potential for medical futility to be perceived as medical paternalism.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of the definitional aspects of medical futility and its clinical criteria.
    Keywords:
    Death and Euthanasia

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  • Examination of the ethical arguments surrounding the authority and procedures for withholding or withdrawing futile treatments.
  • Review of the philosophical underpinnings of patient rights in the context of medical futility.

    • Main Results:

    • The debate on medical futility involves proponents who believe it aligns with patient autonomy and opponents who view it as paternalism.
    • A middle position suggests physicians can predict futility but should not unilaterally impose decisions to forgo life-sustaining therapy.
    • The discourse is prompting a reevaluation of healthcare entitlements and the ultimate aims of medicine.

    Conclusions:

    • The debate on medical futility necessitates a careful balance between physician judgment and patient rights.
    • Clarifying the definition and criteria for medical futility is essential for ethical decision-making.
    • Resolving the complexities of medical futility is crucial for shaping future healthcare policies and practices.