Journal of medical ethics
-
Journal of medical ethics · May 2014
Comparative StudyPhysicians' practices when frustrating patients' needs: a comparative study of restrictiveness in offering abortion and sedation therapy.
In this paper it is argued that physicians' restrictive attitudes in offering abortions during 1946-1965 in Sweden were due to their private values. The values, however, were rarely presented openly. Instead physicians' values influenced their assessment of the facts presented--that is, the women's' trustworthiness. ⋯ This is a vulnerable and weak group, unable to lodge complaints after the treatment. In order to respect patients' autonomy, even suffering patients at the end of their lives, it is suggested that physicians should openly declare their values when it comes to providing treatments that might shorten life. Such transparency might facilitate more genuine shared decision-making and accordingly less suboptimal end-of-life care.
-
Last year in June, British doctors went on strike for the first time since 1975. Amidst a global economic downturn and with many health systems struggling with reduced finances, around the world the issue of public health workers going on strike is a very real one. ⋯ The General Medical Council, in its key guidance document for practising doctors, Good Medical Practice, claims that 'Good doctors make the care of their patients their first concern'. Is this true? And if so, how is this relevant to the issue of striking? One year on since the events, we carefully reflect and argue whether it was right for doctors to pursue strike action, and call for greater discussion of ethical issues such as the recent strikes, particularly among younger members of the profession.