The Influence of Neoliberalism on Burdensome Life Sustaining Treatments Near the End of Life (RP313)

Burdensome, overly aggressive life-sustaining treatments (LST) near the end of life (EOL), such as mechanical ventilation and resuscitation, have the potential to create ethical challenges where treatments can cause harm and suffering with little chance of benefit. Interventions to reduce inappropriate LST have met with limited success, raising the possibility that the social context within which clinical decisions are made may play a role in the persistence of burdensome care. One such contextual factor is neoliberalism, characterized by free-market capitalism, which encourages a culture of consumerization and unlimited choice.
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - Category: Palliative Care Authors: Source Type: research