Histoire de Zoé : cheminement d'une demande d'arrêt de traitement

Through the story of Zoe and her personal journey in a request for treatment discontinuation, we share the experience gained through a clinical ethics consultation process offered by our Clinical Ethics unit. An ethics consultation was requested for divergence of opinions between the caregivers and a patient (Zoe) about the urgency of changing a respirator. The care team wanted to prevent a risk of imminent death of which Zoe was apparently unaware. The ethics consultation process gave voice to Zoe and her wishes: what she really wanted was palliative care and treatment discontinuation. The consultation also helped to reflect on ethical issues vis-à-vis the request and to coordinate the implementation of palliative care at home as well as develop the treatment cessation protocol. This experience taught us the importance of going to the source of information and the importance of fostering dialogue between the different visions and versions of those involved. This story has taught us a lesson of caution: beware of words: what really hides behind a request for treatment termination? This story also underlines the need to create a space for dialogue with freedom of speech where each participant can speak openly and receive support.