Document Detail


Medical futility: a conceptual model.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  17264191     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
This paper introduces the medical factual matrix as a new and potentially valuable tool in medical ethical analysis. Using this tool it demonstrates the idea that a defined medical intervention can only be meaningfully declared futile in relation to a defined goal(s) of treatment. It argues that a declaration of futility made solely in relation to a defined medical intervention is inchoate. It recasts the definition of goal futility as an intervention that cannot alter the probability of the existence of the important outcome states that might flow from a defined intervention. The idea of value futility and the extent of physician obligations in futile situations are also addressed. It also examines the source of substantive conflicts which commonly arise within the doctor-patient relationship and the ensuing power relations that operate between doctor and patient when questions of futility arise.
Authors:
R K Mohindra
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of medical ethics     Volume:  33     ISSN:  0306-6800     ISO Abbreviation:  J Med Ethics     Publication Date:  2007 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2007-01-31     Completed Date:  2007-08-07     Revised Date:  2010-09-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7513619     Medline TA:  J Med Ethics     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  71-5     Citation Subset:  E; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK. rajm@dial.pipex.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Dissent and Disputes
Ethics, Medical*
Humans
Medical Futility / ethics*
Models, Theoretical
Physician's Role
Physician-Patient Relations
Comments/Corrections

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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