Ethical & Legal Issues in End-of-Life Care Flashcards

What is informed consent?

Answer: Patient agreement

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal principle in healthcare, meaning a patient must voluntarily agree to a medical treatment or procedure after receiving comprehensive information about it. This includes understanding the nature of the treatment, its potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and the consequences of refusing. It ensures patient autonomy and shared decision-making.

What does DNR stand for?

Answer: Do Not Resuscitate

DNR stands for "Do Not Resuscitate," which is a medical order indicating that healthcare providers should not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's heart stops or they stop breathing. This order reflects a patient's wish to avoid aggressive life-sustaining measures, often in the context of advanced illness, and is a crucial part of advance care planning.

What is an ethical dilemma?

Answer: Conflicting choices

An ethical dilemma in healthcare arises when there are two or more morally justifiable courses of action, but choosing one means compromising another. These situations involve conflicting values, principles, or duties, making it difficult to determine the "right" choice. In hospice, dilemmas often involve balancing patient autonomy, family wishes, and professional obligations.

Why respect patient autonomy?

Answer: Patient choice

Patient autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare, especially in hospice, emphasizing the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own medical care. Respecting this principle ensures that care aligns with the patient's personal values and wishes. This promotes dignity and self-determination, allowing individuals to have control over their end-of-life journey.

What is the purpose of a living will?

Answer: Future care wishes

A living will is a legal document that allows individuals to express their preferences for medical treatment in advance, should they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves. It specifies what medical interventions they would or would not want, such as life support or artificial nutrition. This ensures their end-of-life care aligns with their personal values and reduces the burden of decision-making on family members.

What role does a healthcare proxy play?

Answer: Decision maker

A healthcare proxy, also known as a durable power of attorney for healthcare, is a person legally designated by a patient to make medical decisions on their behalf if the patient becomes incapacitated. This individual is entrusted to make choices that reflect the patient's known wishes and best interests. Their role is crucial in ensuring the patient's autonomy is upheld even when they cannot speak for themselves.

Why document all legal directives?

Answer: Clarity and respect

Documenting all legal directives, such as living wills and healthcare proxy designations, is essential for ensuring clarity and respecting patient wishes. These documents provide clear instructions for healthcare providers and family members, preventing misunderstandings and potential conflicts during critical times. Proper documentation ensures that the patient's end-of-life care is delivered according to their expressed preferences, upholding their autonomy and dignity.

What guides ethical hospice practice?

Answer: Professional codes

Ethical hospice practice is primarily guided by professional codes of conduct and established ethical principles, such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. These codes provide a framework for decision-making, ensuring that care is patient-centered, compassionate, and respectful of individual values and beliefs. Adherence to these codes helps maintain high standards of care and trust within the profession.

What does beneficence mean?

Answer: Do good for patient

Beneficence is a core ethical principle in healthcare, meaning to act in the best interest of the patient and 'do good.' In hospice, this translates to providing comfort, alleviating suffering, and enhancing the patient's quality of life, rather than focusing on curative treatments. It guides healthcare professionals to provide compassionate care that promotes the patient's well-being and dignity.