Social work role in a case of withdrawal of basic life supports

This paper is about the problems faced by a responsible family in making a decision about the maintenance of nutrition and hydration for a member who had not yet prepared a Living Will or Health Care Proxy form. We believe it to be of value to other health care workers facing similar problems. This report covers the impact on staff, and the work with patient's family, and the stress of interdisciplinary collaboration on both professional and administrative staff.