Medical ethics may be defined as the application of values or judgments to the practice of medicine. This short article aims to provide an overview of ethical decision-making when faced with the dilemmas in palliative care. Ethical dilemmas Looking after patients at the end of life is one of the greatest privileges afforded to GPs. However, ethical dilemmas permeate palliative care and demand good communication with dying patients and their relatives. The sanctity of life 'All human life has worth' and to end a life directly or indirectly is wrong, regardless of any perception about the 'quality of life'. Adherence to this doctrine is clearly not compatible with modern medical practice or thought. Medical ethics can offer a framework to address these challenges (Chernyl, 2014).
展开▼
