The Barnes case: taking difficult futility cases public.
J Law Med Ethics
; 41(1): 374-8, 2013.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23581679
ABSTRACT
Futility disputes are increasing and courts are slowly abandoning their historical reluctance to engage these contentious issues, particularly when confronted with inappropriate surrogate demands for aggressive treatment. Use of the judicial system to resolve futility disputes inevitably brings media attention and requires clinicians, hospitals, and families to debate these deep moral conflicts in the public eye. A recent case in Minnesota, In re Emergency Guardianship of Albert Barnes, explores this emerging trend and the complex responsibilities of clinicians and hospital administrators seeking to replace an unfaithful surrogate demanding aggressive therapy. Use of the courts requires the coordinated commitment of significant institutional resources, management of intense media scrutiny and individual and organizational courage to enter the unpredictable world of litigation. Given the dearth of legislative guidance on medical futility, individual clinicians and institutions will continue to bear the difficult responsibility for resolution of individual futility disputes. The Barnes case illustrates how one institution successfully used the judicial system to replace an unfaithful surrogate, cease the provision of inappropriate aggressive care, and stimulate a community dialogue about appropriate care at the end of life.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Directivas Anticipadas
/
Inutilidad Médica
/
Disentimientos y Disputas
/
Tutores Legales
Tipo de estudio:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
Aspecto:
Ethics
Límite:
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Law Med Ethics
Asunto de la revista:
ENFERMAGEM
/
ETICA
/
JURISPRUDENCIA
/
MEDICINA
/
PESQUISA EM SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Año:
2013
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
ENGLAND
/
ESCOCIA
/
GB
/
GREAT BRITAIN
/
INGLATERRA
/
REINO UNIDO
/
SCOTLAND
/
UK
/
UNITED KINGDOM