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1 January 1993 | Volume 118 Issue 1 | Pages 78-80
We applaud Drs. Edwards and Tolle for their frankness and sincerity. Their article highlights the real difference between making an ethical decision as an ethicist and carrying out such a decision as a doctor.
Our experience with similar cases of "postpolio syndrome" using an "iron-lung" for overnight ventilatory assistance prompts us to suggest that the list of options also include:
8. Obtain hospital ethics committee approval in order to include lay people who represent the common nonprofessional opinion.
9. Insist that specialist medical staff who are to be involved are informed and agree to do sedation and disconnection. (This seems to have been neglected in the reported case.)
It emphasizes the need to maintain respect for the patient's autonomy, to help with important clinical decisions when the patient is able to indicate his or her wishes, and to provide relief from suffering in all stages of an illness.
University of Otago; Dunedin, New Zealand
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Reflections on the Doctor's Anguish
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University of Otago; Dunedin, New Zealand
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