An ethical dilemma in a hospice setting

The codes of ethics of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the National Association of Social Workers support ethical standards of client self-determination and confidentiality. Lack of societal consensus on the parameters of a terminally ill person's right to die continues to confound at times the health care field, including hospice programs. This article explores an actual case where a hospice social worker faced an ethical dilemma related to the sanctity of life versus patient autonomy. While a more seasoned social worker might have chosen a different alternative to the dilemma, this case illustrates the importance of creating an interdisciplinary rather than multidisciplinary hospice team and the need for ongoing dialogue on how to support patient choice.