Purely performative resuscitation: Treating the patient as an object

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Medical Ethics
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Purely performative resuscitation (PPR), commonly known as "slow codes," is a prevalent but ethically contentious practice.
• Criticisms often center on deception and harm, while justifications highlight symbolic benefits for patient loved ones and care teams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the ethical arguments for and against purely performative resuscitation.
• To explore the moral significance of the symbolic aspects of medical treatment.
• To determine conditions under which PPR might be ethically permissible.

Main Methods:

• Ethical analysis of arguments surrounding slow codes.
• Examination of the concept of patient objectification in medical practice.
• Development of criteria for permissible PPR.

Main Results:

• PPR is prima facie wrong due to patient objectification and instrumentalization.
• The symbolic dimension of medicine holds moral significance, both positive and negative.
• Certain limited conditions may render PPR ethically permissible, despite its prima facie wrongness.

Conclusions:

• Slow codes raise significant ethical concerns regarding patient autonomy and dignity.
• The symbolic value in medicine must be carefully weighed against potential harms.
• A nuanced ethical framework is needed to evaluate the permissibility of purely performative resuscitation.