miércoles, 20 de marzo de 2013

End Of Life Care > Aging & Health A To Z > Health in Aging

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End Of Life Care > Aging & Health A To Z > Health in Aging

Health in Aging

Aging & Health A to Z

End of Life Care

Basic Facts & Information

What is Life Sustaining Treatment?

Advances in medical technology have often created medical dilemmas. For example, health care providers may be able to successfully treat a sudden complication in a seriously ill person, but restoring function and improving the underlying disease may be impossible. In such a situation, treatment that only prolongs life may be appropriately withheld. In fact, the doctor may refuse treatment under a variety of situations:
  • there is no specific medical rationale for the treatment
  • the treatment has proved ineffective for the person
  • the person is unconscious and will likely die in a matter of hours or days even if the treatment is given
  • the expected survival is virtually zero
The doctor’s discretion in these matters may vary widely across the United States.

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