1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910790004703321

Autore

Smith Stephen W. <1973->

Titolo

End-of-life decisions in medical care : principles and policies for regulating the dying process / / Stephen W. Smith [[electronic resource]]

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Cambridge : , : Cambridge University Press, , 2012

ISBN

1-107-22732-1

1-139-23430-7

1-280-48560-4

1-139-23282-7

9786613580580

1-139-23061-1

1-139-22915-X

0-511-79392-8

1-139-23206-1

1-139-23360-2

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (xv, 350 pages) : digital, PDF file(s)

Collana

Cambridge bioethics and law ; ; 18

Disciplina

179.7

Soggetti

Terminal care - Moral and ethical aspects

Terminal care - Law and legislation

Death - Moral and ethical aspects

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Introduction -- Moral status -- The value of life -- Killing versus letting die and moral responsibility -- Autonomy and paternalism -- Beneficence, non-maleficence and harm -- Dignity -- A comprehensive ethical approach -- Introduction to Part Two -- Protection of patients -- The impact on health care practitioners -- Greater societal issues -- Slippery slope arguments -- Necessary procedural protections -- Conclusions.

Sommario/riassunto

Those involved in end-of-life decision making must take into account both legal and ethical issues. This book starts with a critical reflection of ethical principles including ideas such as moral status, the value of



life, acts and omissions, harm, autonomy, dignity and paternalism. It then explores the practical difficulties of regulating end-of-life decisions, focusing on patients, healthcare professionals, the wider community and issues surrounding 'slippery slope' arguments. By evaluating the available empirical evidence, the author identifies preferred ways to regulate decisions and minimise abuses at the end of life, and outlines an ethical theory which can provide practical guidance for those engaged in end-of-life decisions.