Abstract:
In the Western world, thanks to continuous progress in the medical field, and to changes in society, the concept of death seems to be increasingly replaced by that of \"keeping alive at all costs\". Thus also dialysis, a life-sustaining treatment for patients suffering from kidney failure, in some cases can no longer be seen as a treatment aimed at prolonging life, but as a treatment to temporarily avert death. In fact, the literature highlights that dialysis is not always associated with greater life expectancy and better quality of life for fragile patients with kidney failure. This point-of-view paper discusses legal and ethical principles of respect for patient autonomy (beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and professional integrity) inherent in the choice to suspend or to not start dialysis treatment, while following a pathway of conservative and/or palliative therapy.
摘要:
在西方世界,得益于医疗领域的不断进步,以及社会的变化,死亡的概念似乎越来越被“不惜一切代价保持生命”的概念所取代。因此也透析,为肾衰竭患者提供维持生命的治疗,在某些情况下,不再被视为旨在延长寿命的治疗方法,而是作为一种暂时避免死亡的治疗方法.事实上,文献强调,对于患有肾功能衰竭的脆弱患者,透析并不总是与更高的预期寿命和更好的生活质量相关.这篇观点论文讨论了尊重患者自主性的法律和道德原则(慈善,非恶意,正义和专业诚信)选择暂停或不开始透析治疗所固有的,同时遵循保守和/或姑息治疗的途径。