Medical technology is able to treat many conditions and maintain life in very old and complex patients as well as younger but with incurable and progressing diseases. Questions as to the benefit of different treatments are rarely asked and discussed neither with families nor with colleagues. Should the term 'futile treatment' be officially used? Should it be mentioned as such or debated in medical records?
This is a complicated topic, and we just tried to write a review which hopefully might help you. Good luck, and all the best. kms
Hi kms
Excellent article.
It is indeed difficult to reach an agreement regarding the definition but as you
quote somebody " most physicians now know it ( futility) when they see it."
Nevertheless most physicians avoid using this term and it will very rare be clearly mentioned and discussed in medical records, follow-ups', problem lists or in the recommendations of specialist consultants. What is the origine of this reluctance
or hesitation ?
Almost one month passed since I posted this question , inspite some of my close coleagues' oppinion , that people are not prepared yet for such a discussion.
It seems that they have been right . I will come back to this from time to time to see
whether something changes..
Thank you Alvaro , The question is more as to why has this term not been adopted
by physicians in the daily clinical jargon..