Doctor's Religions & End-of -Life Decisions

[maxx]

http://www.physorg.com/news201958338.html
"...The most religious doctors were significantly less likely to have discussed end of life care decisions with their patients than other doctors..."

So I guess if you want to have that discussion, you'd better ask what church your doctor goes to.

[Ray1936]

Shoot. All the doctors out here graduated from the University of Calcutta. Do Hindus have churches?????

[maxx]

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionande...ecisions/4516/
"... Dr. Gordon, who is also a nondenominational pastor, was surprised to find that patients who are religious often want more aggressive treatment at the end of life than others..."

Tryin' to stave off that ol' devil Satan.

[gazhekwe]

It's been our experience, in our family and friends' families, that even very ill people will fight tooth and nail for life. Surprisingly, even the ones who, in rational times, said they were ready and not afraid to die, and have documents that allow their advocates to choose to stop treatment, still want aggressive treatments even though they have to know they will not extend their life by more than a few days or weeks. We are wired that way, to survive.

[maxx]

It's been our experience, in our family and friends' families, that even very ill people will fight tooth and nail for life. Surprisingly, even the ones who, in rational times, said they were ready and not afraid to die, and have documents that allow their advocates to choose to stop treatment, still want aggressive treatments even though they have to know they will not extend their life by more than a few days or weeks. We are wired that way, to survive.

Then how do you account for the people who get DNR orders for themselves?

[terryh]

I know there are mecdical doctors who claim to have religious beliefs or moonlight as a pastor,rabbi, or shiek, but that is probably for a combination of hubris and a little extra power and status.

[gazhekwe]

They get the DNR orders, or sign medical advocacy documents, designating when and under what conditions they wish to discontinue treatment, then when crunch time comes, as long as they have the power to communicate, they choose life, no matter how invasive the treatment. Since the documents only kick in when the patient can no longer communicate their possibly contrary wishes, treatment can continue long after it is clear that it will produce no helpful outcome.

I guess my point is, counseling aside, and rational choices we make when we are healthier, may go by the board when there comes a real choice, treatment or die. Or patients may choose to continue painful treatments despite the fact that they have only days to live. Patient advocates need to be ready for that, and care providers, too.