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Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

Published on: February 16, 2011

Defining Medical Futility and Improving Medical Care.

Lawrence J Schneiderman¹

¹Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 0622, La Jolla, CA 92093-0622 USA.

Journal of Bioethical Inquiry

|July 19, 2011

Summary

Medical futility arises from debates on whether treatments achieve patient-valued goals. Defining futility is crucial for ethical medical practice and patient-centered care, especially in end-of-life situations.

Area of Science:

Medical Ethics
Healthcare Policy
Clinical Decision-Making

Background:

The escalating costs and technological advancements in medicine have intensified the debate surrounding medical futility.
There is a lack of consensus on defining medical futility and its implications for clinical practice and societal expectations of healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the concept of medical futility, its definition, and its impact on the doctor-patient relationship.
To re-examine the fundamental goals of medicine in the context of potentially futile treatments.
To highlight the neglected aspect of comfort care within the medical futility discourse.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis of medical futility.
Review of ethical considerations in medical treatment decisions.

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Published on: February 16, 2011

Exploration of the doctor-patient relationship and the physician's societal role.

Main Results:

Medical futility involves an unacceptable likelihood of achieving a patient-appreciable benefit, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative aspects.
The patient's capacity to appreciate an effect as a benefit is central to defining medical success.
The debate on medical futility has largely overlooked the critical role of comfort care, including alleviating suffering, enhancing well-being, and supporting patient dignity.

Conclusions:

A clear definition of medical futility is essential for ethical medical practice and informed decision-making.
The patient's perspective and capacity to appreciate benefits must guide treatment considerations.
Reintegrating comfort care into discussions on medical futility is vital for holistic patient support, particularly in end-of-life care.