  
|  |
 |
End-of-Life Decisions
B. Lehrer, K. Prager, S. Mayer, J. Quinlan, T. Frymer-Kensky
|
| Seminar Introduction |
Technological and biomedical advancements made throughout the twentieth century have dramatically improved the potential of modern medical practice to prolong the life of a patient. But these advancements also raise important questions about end-of-life decisions: who can and should be empowered to make these decisions and which quality-of-life factors should be considered in the process? Though opinions differ on the ethics of euthanasia and the purpose served by lengthy life-support systems, a lack of comprehensive bioethical laws make it hard for doctors and loved ones to know when it is time to "pull the plug." An empowered and prepared patient, however, can aid in this decision-making process by creating a "living will," which legally appoints a relative or close friend to carry out the wishes of a patient, long before a life-threatening situation arises. In this lively debate, based on a four-part forum held at Columbia University, experts on end-of-life issues discuss the ethics of deciding when to prolong the lives of patients. They debate the relative merits of living wills and whether a person can ever predict the scenario of death in sufficient detail to provide doctors with helpful guidelines. They weigh the appropriateness of administering medical procedures that provide comfort in patients' final hours but may hasten death, and discuss the economics of prolonging life and the increasing tendency to weigh one patient's potential to live against another's, as resources become more scarce. This seminar addresses many of the fundamental bioethical and legal questions that all doctors, patients and families will face when making informed end-of-life decisions.
|
| Learning Objectives |
- Define the term "living will" and identify its legal importance for those making end-of-life decisions.
- List several of the factors that must be considered when deciding to prolong the life of a patient.
- Explore some of the factors that must be addressed by bioethics committees working to help patients' families make informed and ethical end-of-life decisions.
- Recognize some of the complex issues that must be considered by doctors, hospitals and insurance companies surrounding the treatment of terminally-ill patients.
|
| Sessions |
|
| Credits |
Copyright 2000, Fathom Knowledge Network Inc.
|
| Technical Requirements |
To appreciate this seminar experience, it is critical that you have the appropriate software, plug-ins, and network connections. Please take the time to download the latest versions of the plug-ins mentioned below if you do not already have them.
Browser: Netscape versions 4.x up to 4.76, or Internet Explorer versions 4.x or later. Your browser must have JavaScript enabled and must be set to accept cookies.
Network Connection: The recommended minimum connection is 56K modem with throughput of 34Kbps or more. A faster connection is encouraged to take better advantage of the media elements in the seminar. Plug-ins: If you do not have RealPlayer and Flash Player already installed, please download them from the following sites:
|
|
|