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[Ethical questions regarding the medical care of adults with disabilities]
Adeline Dugerdil1, Jonathan Deriaz1, Samia Hurst-Majno2
1Service de médecine de premier recours, HUG, 1211 Genève.
Abstract:
Medical care of adults with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities, can be ethically difficult. Several questions arise frequently. Can we administer a life-saving treatment that could impact negatively the patient's quality of life when the patient isn't able to give consent? During this Covid-19 period, can the use of chemical or physical restraints be considered as mistreatment, whereas the aim is to protect others? These are situations where the ethical question holds a central role. Although each clinical situation is unique, this article highlights, through four clinical cases, the ethical principles that should guide physicians in their decision-making process.
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