[The patients' right of self-decision and the discretion of physicians]

I attended the 10th liaison society of ethics committees in medical schools in Japan. Three topics on the problems of the terminal patients, Jehovah's Witness needing blood transfusion and the patients suffering from AIDS were discussed by symposists consisted of 6 physicians, 2 nurses and a jurist. I picked up key phrases from the symposists' presentations with respect to professions. The physicians used the terms of terminal care, quality of life, informed consent, etc. The nurses emphasized a labor shortage, an ideal physician, cooperation of the patient's family, etc. A jurist expressed euthanasia, death with dignity, right of living and dying, etc. The common issue relating with all terms would be "patient's right of self-decision". Physicians should recognize this right and then exercise their discretion. All patients should be regarded as social beings under the medical care, which would be realized when physicians treat diseases with the relevant patients.