Bioethical principles: are they applied in terminal illness situations?
Azulay Tapiero, A.
Anales de Medicina Interna 18(12): 650-654
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0212-7199 PMID: 11852503 Document Number: 537415
Comprehensive practice of biomedical ethics principles (beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice) would guarantee appropriate assistance to patients with terminal diseases. Unfortunately today, these principles aren't put into practice in a systematic way. In order to guarantee quality care to this particular group of patients, it is necessary that all health care professionals dealing with terminal illness receive a comprehensive education in bioethics matters and that an appropriate methodology is followed in order to resolve subsequent conflicts. Furthermore, public institutions should be involved so that Palliative Care Units provide assistance to the entire population rather than select cases. If we can't provide comprehensive care, we are working against the basic bioethics principles, especially the fundamental principle of justice.