The bioethical debate. With dignity, until the end: patient and doctor, “an alliance for life”. A contribution to public debate about the end of life

• Localización: Medicina y Ética: Revista internacional de bioética, deontología y ética médica, ISSN-e 2594-2166, ISSN 0188-5022, Vol. 28, Nº. 3 (JULIO-SEPTIEMBRE/JULY-SEPTEMBER), 2017, págs. 691-696
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Doctor and patient have always formed an alliance to ensure the best outcome for the latter, through mutual cooperation. Faced with the end of life perspective, Scienza & Vita 1 is concerned with anticipating phenomena such as euthanasia or therapeutic obsti- nacy, by applying adequate treatment planning within a framework of common values. This planning is particularly sensitive when fa- ced with the prospect of death. The most important element is the living human being, who demands to be recognized and respec- ted. For this purpose, the figure of the medical tutor is proposed as a facilitator between doctor and patient. This team will have to deal with important moments such as: the loss of autonomy and dignity of the patient; quality of life; adequate choice of therapies considering life expectancy and the economic aspect of treat- ment; the expression of the patient’s will and adequate psycholo- gical support. In short, Scienza & Vita rejects euthanasia and therapeutic obstinacy, while promoting ethically appropriate de- cisions.