Patient-Centred Ethics and Communication at the End of Life

This book provides the best information available on the ways priorities are currently set for health care around the world. It describes the methods now used in the six countries leading the process, and contrasts the differences between them. It shows how, except in the UK, frameworks have now been developed to set priorities. Making Choices for Health Care sets forth the key issues that need to be tackled in the years ahead. Descriptions of the leading trends are accompanied by suggestions to resolve outstanding difficulties. Topics include: the need for national research and development funding for new treatments, ways to shift resources permanently towards prevention and chronic care, and how DALYs may replace QALYs. While the concepts and values underlying priority setting have been discussed elsewhere, Making Choices for Health Care highlights real current practice. It is a vital tool for policy-makers, health care managers, clinicians, patient organizations, academics, and executives in pharmaceutical and medical supply industries.

Autorentext

David Jeffrey

Inhalt

Contents: Part 1: Ethics, communication and palliative care: what is palliative care? I want to hold your hand. A good death. Why ethics? Why won't you listen to me? Part 2: Death, dying and dilemmas. 'What are you going to do next?'.. When cancer comes back. 'What would you do?' Informed consent. 'There is nothing more I can do' Stopping active treatment. 'Am I not worth treating?' Do not attempt resuscitation orders. 'Water, water everywhere' Feeding and fluids at the end of life. 'Help me to die' Euthanasia. Part 3: Good Practice: Patient's choice. Communicating in multidisciplinary teams. Education, ethics and communication skills. The 'good' doctor.