Physician-assisted death

Definition

Physician-assisted death refers to the practice where a physician provides a terminally ill patient with the means to end their own life, typically through prescribed medication. This practice raises significant ethical dilemmas as it intersects with issues of autonomy, quality of life, and the role of healthcare providers in patient care.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Physician-assisted death is legal in several jurisdictions, including some states in the U.S., Canada, and countries in Europe, but remains controversial and illegal in many others.
2. Patients seeking physician-assisted death typically must meet specific criteria, such as being terminally ill, experiencing unbearable suffering, and having mental capacity to make the decision.
3. The process usually involves multiple consultations with healthcare providers to ensure that the patient is making an informed choice free from coercion.
4. Ethical debates surrounding physician-assisted death often involve arguments about patient autonomy versus the sanctity of life, challenging healthcare providers' roles.
5. The impact of physician-assisted death laws on healthcare practices and patient relationships can be profound, leading to changes in how end-of-life care is approached by medical professionals.

Review Questions

• How does physician-assisted death challenge traditional ethical principles in healthcare?
  • Physician-assisted death challenges traditional ethical principles such as beneficence and non-maleficence by raising questions about whether assisting a patient in dying can be seen as an act of kindness or harm. The practice confronts the fundamental belief in the sanctity of life and complicates the healthcare provider's role as a healer. It also raises issues regarding patient autonomy, as it emphasizes the right of individuals to choose how and when they die, leading to diverse opinions within the medical community.
• Discuss the role of palliative care in relation to physician-assisted death and how it influences patient decisions.
  • Palliative care plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of patients considering physician-assisted death by focusing on pain relief and improving quality of life. Many patients may seek assisted dying due to unmanageable pain or suffering; thus, effective palliative care can potentially alleviate these concerns. When patients receive comprehensive palliative support, they may find comfort and relief, which could influence their decisions regarding pursuing physician-assisted death.
• Evaluate the implications of physician-assisted death legislation on healthcare systems and provider practices.
  • The implementation of physician-assisted death legislation has significant implications for healthcare systems and provider practices by altering how end-of-life care is perceived and delivered. Such laws necessitate training for healthcare providers on how to navigate these options ethically while ensuring compliance with legal standards. Additionally, these laws can impact patient-provider relationships, as trust may be challenged by fears surrounding coercion or abandonment. Overall, these changes compel healthcare systems to reassess their frameworks for providing compassionate care while respecting patient choices.

Related terms

Euthanasia: The practice of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve them from suffering, which can be voluntary or involuntary.

Advance Directive: A legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care, including decisions about physician-assisted death.

Palliative Care:

Medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, aimed at improving quality of life for patients and their families.