Critical Care Ethics
Dr. Martin L. Smith (Dept. of Bioethics CCF) led a thought provoking discussion on the controversial and sometimes very difficul issues dealing with end of life care and decision making abilities in the ICU. Several of the patients in the ICU are unable to make the decisions for themselves and it is up to the physician, family, friend or DPOA to make the decision on behalf of the patient and in the patient’s best interest. This can turn out to be quite a complicated path because as Dr. Smith reveas in his presentation, sometimes no one can clearly tell what the patient would have wanted if he/she were in their current position. Issues of family wishes, moral, legal and religious obligations can quickly bring us into merky water. Enjoy the presentation and please feel free to comment below.
