PubMed · 2000 · 43 citations · 0 references
NursingFamily MedicineMedical EducationEnd-of-life CareMedical EthicsPalliative CareEnd-of-life Care EducationEnd-of-life Care EthicsEnd-of-life Decision MakingWithdrawing Life-sustaining TreatmentWithdrawing TreatmentWithholding TreatmentCommunication About Life-sustaining TreatmentEnd-of-life Treatment DecisionsEthics Of End-of-life Decision-makingLife-sustaining Treatment PreferencesPatient Decision-making CapacityUse Of Life-sustaining TreatmentWithdrawal Of Life-sustaining TherapyWithholding Of Treatment
Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining therapies is ethical and medically appropriate in some circumstances. This article summarizes the American Medical Association's Education for Physicians on End-of-life Care (EPEC) curriculum module on withholding or withdrawing therapy. Before reviewing specific treatment preferences, it is useful to ask patients about their understanding of the illness and to discuss their values and general goals of care. Family physicians should feel free to provide specific advice to patients and families struggling with these decisions. Patients with decision-making capacity can opt to forego any medical intervention, including artificial nutrition/hydration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.