Title |
How Should Physicians Care for Dying Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
|
---|---|
Published in |
The AMA Journal of Ethic, August 2018
|
DOI | 10.1001/amajethics.2018.690 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Alexander Craig, Elizabeth Dzeng |
Abstract |
We discuss physician aid in dying, euthanasia, and other dimensions of palliative care decision making and define relevant terms raised by this case of a dying patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Washington State who is unable to self-administer a lethal prescription. We then present a concrete framework that clinicians can directly apply when faced with difficult cases such as this one. We outline how exploring motivations, obtaining informed consent, defining goals, and examining alternatives can help guide physicians like the one in this case. We conclude by summarizing one way in which physicians might balance these issues while still remaining within the constraints of the law. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 6 | 27% |
Colombia | 2 | 9% |
Austria | 1 | 5% |
Germany | 1 | 5% |
Mexico | 1 | 5% |
Unknown | 11 | 50% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 13 | 59% |
Scientists | 5 | 23% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 2 | 9% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 2 | 9% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 44 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 4 | 9% |
Student > Bachelor | 4 | 9% |
Unspecified | 2 | 5% |
Lecturer | 2 | 5% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 2 | 5% |
Other | 10 | 23% |
Unknown | 20 | 45% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Psychology | 5 | 11% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 5 | 11% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 3 | 7% |
Unspecified | 2 | 5% |
Neuroscience | 2 | 5% |
Other | 6 | 14% |
Unknown | 21 | 48% |