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Autonomy versus futility? Barriers to good clinical practice in end‐of‐life care: a Queensland case
Author(s) -
Lawrence Sean,
Willmott Lindy,
Milligan Eleanor,
Winch Sarah,
White Ben,
Parker Malcolm
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/mja10.10969
Subject(s) - autonomy , inquest , intervention (counseling) , end of life care , nursing , clinical practice , best interests , medicine , psychology , palliative care , political science , law
Findings from a Queensland coronial inquest highlight the complex clinical, ethical and legal issues that arise in end‐of‐life care when clinicians and family members disagree about a diagnosis of clinical futility. The tension between the law and best medical practice is highlighted in this case, as doctors are compelled to seek family consent to not commence a futile intervention. Good communication between doctors and families, as well as community and professional education, is essential to resolve tensions that can arise when there is disagreement about treatment at the end of life.