Every person deserves a dignified death. What this entails varies
dramatically from patient to patient. Most people, however, never
discuss their wishes regarding the care they desire for this very
personal, final journey. As technology improves, as well as the ability
to successfully treat almost any condition, both patients and clinicians
alike have begun to ignore the reality of death. In our present culture
discussing death has become taboo. Patients may think about the end of
their lives but are unsure or uncomfortable broaching the topic with
their medical staff and families. Additionally, many clinicians are
uneasy with end-of-life (EOL) discussions and, consequently, avoid them
entirely. It is, however, the ethical responsibility of health care
providers to address their patient's wishes regarding EOL care.
Clinicians need to take the initiative to begin the conversation
regarding prognosis and care choices. They need to make the patients
feel that they can comfortably discuss this delicate issue without fear
of judgment, pressure, or the possibility of abandonment.
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