Medical futility and the burns patient.
Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 23523220.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.burns.2013.02.001.
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Abstract
Since its inception in the 1980s 'futility' has been a controversial concept. The history of this concept, its definition and application to burns care are discussed from the perspective of a burn surgeon. Although introduced as an objective (value-free) criterion, futility proves impossible to objectivate and judgements about the value of human life always play a role. The roles of the patient, the doctor, the 'politician' and society at large in futility-decisions are discussed.
Medical subject headings
- Burns
- Ethics, Medical
- Medical Futility
- Patient Care