Developing the Optimal Protocol to Aid in Ethical Decision Making Involving Terminally Ill Patients at Womack Army Community Hospital
Abstract
This study was conducted to develop a protocol for ethical decision making involving terminally ill patients at Womack Army Community Hospital. A survey was sent to selected Army hospitals to evaluate their current systems and establish an optimal one. The problem areas identified by the survey were 'Do Not Resuscitate' orders, the need for hospice services, ordinary versus extraordinary treatment, and demands to die. A need for a written, formal decision making process was identified. The author proposed formation of an Ethics Committee to distinctly make those decisions and to coordinate an ethical education program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA222032
Entities
People
- James C. Kohler
Organizations
- Academy of Health Sciences