Abstracts » Health

When too much is too little

Article Abstract:

The history of an elderly, terminally ill man illustrates how patients are inappropriately and aggressively treated, adding unnecessarily to their suffering. He was first admitted for left-sided weakness. Doctors diagnosed lung cancer with a brain metastasis. He refused treatment. Admitted three months later with seizures, doctors pressed for surgery. The family refused. During the 29 days before he died, he had daily blood tests, repeated insertions of a nasogastric tube for feeding, was tied down to prevent him removing the tube, and had surgical insertion of a stomach tube when physical restraints failed.

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Case studies, Metastasis, Cancer metastasis, Critically ill, Lung cancer, Non-small cell, Non-small cell lung cancer

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A national survey of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia in the United States

Article Abstract:

A significant number of physicians in specialist practice have received requests from patients to help them end their lives. Researchers surveyed 1,902 physicians about assisted suicide and euthanasia. Eighteen percent had been asked for medication to assist in suicide, and 11% had been asked for a injection to cause death. Thirty-six percent of physicians reported they would prescribe medications for suicide if it were legal. Almost 5% of physicians had administered a lethal injection, and 3% had written a prescription to hasten death. All acted based on perceived patient wishes.

Physicians, Medical professions, Surveys, Assisted suicide, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Euthanasia

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