Empty Spaces.

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Bioethics
• Patient Care

Background:

• The case highlights the challenges of caring for
• patients alone
• — individuals without decision-making capacity or surrogate decision-makers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the ethical considerations and care planning for patients without surrogates.
• To determine appropriate goals of care, including hospice, for patients alone.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of a patient without surrogate decision-makers.
• Consultation with a hospital bioethics service.
• Formulation of goals of care.

Main Results:

• The patient, Mr. Weisman, was in a vegetative state.
• His lack of a surrogate necessitated a bioethics consultation.
• Goals of care, including hospice, were considered.

Conclusions:

• Patients alone represent a vulnerable population requiring careful ethical deliberation.
• Bioethics services play a vital role in navigating complex care decisions for incapacitated patients without surrogates.
• Establishing goals of care, potentially including hospice, is essential for patient well-being.