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'Elective' ventilation: an unethical and harmful misnomer?
Summary
The term "elective ventilation" is misleading. This paper advocates for "non-therapeutic ventilation" (NTV) and argues its use in severe stroke cases is unethical, potentially harming patients and reducing organ donation rates.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- The UK first used "elective ventilation" in the 1990s due to organ demand.
- A current organ supply shortfall has led to renewed calls for elective ventilation, even in non-brain-dead patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose replacing the term "elective ventilation" with "non-therapeutic ventilation" (NTV).
- To argue against the ethical justification and potential harms of NTV in severe stroke patients.
- To explore the potential negative impact of NTV on organ donation rates.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of terminology in critical care.
- Ethical review of ventilation practices in severe stroke.
- Discussion of potential consequences for patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Main Results:
- The term "elective ventilation" is deemed a misnomer.
- The practice of NTV in severe stroke is presented as unethical.
- Potential harms include negative impacts on patients, relatives, healthcare professionals, and organ donation.
Conclusions:
- "Non-therapeutic ventilation" (NTV) is a more accurate term for the practice.
- NTV in severe stroke cases poses significant ethical concerns and risks.
- Implementing NTV may lead to adverse outcomes, including a decrease in overall organ donation.
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