[Limitations on Therapeutic Efforts: Much More than not Doing]
Diana Restrepo Bernal1, Clara Cossio Uribe2
1Médica psiquiatra de Enlace, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.
Revista Colombiana De Psiquiatria
|November 18, 2015
Summary
Limitations on Therapeutic Efforts (LTE) involves withholding or withdrawing medical treatment when it offers no clinical benefit. Broader ethical discussion and education are needed to support patient autonomy in these difficult decisions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Clinical Decision-Making
- Patient Autonomy
Context:
- Limitations on Therapeutic Efforts (LTE) is the withholding or withdrawal of medical treatment from patients who do not benefit clinically.
- Existing legislation and formal documents exist in some countries, but dissemination is limited.
- Physicians and institutions often view LTE as solely the patient's responsibility, and the public perceives it as relevant only for elderly or terminally ill patients.
Purpose:
- To address the limited understanding and acceptance of Limitations on Therapeutic Efforts (LTE).
- To promote a broader academic approach to LTE involving both healthcare professionals and the general community.
- To foster ethical reflection and support patient and family autonomy in decision-making.
Summary:
- Limitations on Therapeutic Efforts (LTE) is defined as withholding or withdrawing non-beneficial medical treatment.
- Barriers to LTE acceptance include physician/institutional views of patient responsibility and public misconceptions about its scope.
- An academic approach is essential to facilitate informed ethical reflection and empower patients/families in future planning.
Impact:
- Enhance understanding of Limitations on Therapeutic Efforts (LTE) beyond elderly and terminal cases.
- Facilitate informed ethical decision-making for patients, families, and healthcare providers.
- Strengthen patient autonomy and support for end-of-life care planning.
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