PHIL 1165 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Impossible Princess, Conscientious Objector, Principle Of Double Effect
9 Oct 2017
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General argument: genuinely futile treatments don"t have to be administered. Emphasis on reviewing process of futility determination. If hcps had authority: increased use of futility phrases (eg nothing we can do) If patient/family had authority: focus on informing them of all treatments options. Prevents doctors from inappropriate demands from patients. Resolve dispute (family acts out of despair) A treatment may be capable of a result but unlikely to do so. ** treatment is futile if it has a very low chance of producing desired effect. If treatment fails 100 similar" cases futile. Qualitative futility: questionable value of the end result result, but is so low, hcp says it"s not worth doing. Eg life is sustained for a brief amount of time. Physiological futility: only when treatment cannot produce physiological effect wanted by patient/family. Less controversy over professional autonomy can"t produce patient"s desires. Hcp may refuse treatment b/c risks outweigh potential benefits.
