End-of-life decision making – have we got it right?

S. SHAH SPECIALIST REGISTRAR IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE ,

Corresponding Author

S. SHAH SPECIALIST REGISTRAR IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice, Leicester

address: Sanjay Shah, Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QE, UK (e-mail: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this author

M. LLOYD-WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY STUDIES , SENIOR LECTURER , CONSULTANT IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE ,

M. LLOYD-WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY STUDIES , SENIOR LECTURER , CONSULTANT IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

University of Liverpool Medical School, Liverpool, UK

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S. SHAH SPECIALIST REGISTRAR IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE ,

Corresponding Author

S. SHAH SPECIALIST REGISTRAR IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice, Leicester

address: Sanjay Shah, Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QE, UK (e-mail: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this author

M. LLOYD-WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY STUDIES , SENIOR LECTURER , CONSULTANT IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE ,

M. LLOYD-WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY STUDIES , SENIOR LECTURER , CONSULTANT IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

University of Liverpool Medical School, Liverpool, UK

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 15 August 2003

https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2354.2003.00408.x

Citations: 4

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Abstract

There are wide-spread misconceptions about palliative care. Various treatments used in palliative care have a potential to shorten, and at times even prolong life. However, such treatments are used with a view to enhance quality of life and/or death. Withholding and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatments are not equivalent to assisting death. It is important that patients who are approaching death are sensitively encouraged to make informed choices about such treatments. At the same time, there is no obligation on part of a health professional to provide a futile treatment. This personal view of two palliative care physicians aims to explore some of the difficulties surrounding end-of-life care.

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