Selected Ethical Issues in Aging: A Practical Perspective

Every day, health care providers in surgical and hospital settings face ethical issues with patients who require medical intervention. Since no one ever knows when he or she might become a patient who has lost the ability to communicate intent caused by an injury or disease, it is important to plan ahead and appoint an agent through a medical durable power of attorney to communicate wishes regarding care. An agent or other surrogate decision-maker often faces very difficult issues when the patient's medical status may mean that he/she is reaching the end of his or her life. Care decisions require a working knowledge of the medical issues and the application of ethical values, along with a process for coping with the emotional issues. Developing options and making medical decisions involves a blend of precise clinical information and the personal style and philosophy of the patient and the principles of clinical ethics.