GERO 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 30: Informed Consent, Advance Healthcare Directive, Lifesaving
Document Summary
Addressing psychological needs of patients and their families. Medical speciality focused on relief of pain, stress, and other debilitating symptoms of illness. Many advances have been made in pain care in recent years including new methods of delivery (skin patches and intravenous pumps) and reduced side effects. Attitudes have shifted toward allowing addictive substances for pain care. Until the late 20th century, the physicians made all informed decisions for patients. Today, patients have the right to choose and accept or reject treatment options. Informed consent: patients share in decision-making process. Based on 3 principles: patients are competent, patients give consent freely, no coercion by the medical staff, patient must understand what the options are. Legal documents signed by an individual about future treatment choices. State your wishes if you are in a coma or persistent vegetative state. Give instructions on whether to accept or refuse treatment. Use or nonuse of health care facilities.
