Concilier technique et accompagnement humain en soins palliatifs : une obstination raisonnable ?

The so-called Leonetti law has introduced in France the notion of unreasonable obstinacy. However obstinacy is necessary and often reasonable, it is the base of medical and nursing practice. This is also true in palliative care. Obstinacy to understand what the patient wants, what he presents, what he is living and who he is. Obstinacy to understand who we are as professionals and how we interact with the patient, his family and among ourselves. Obstinacy in knowing and mastering technology, without being blind and considering it all-powerful but not refusing it only because death is natural. Finally obstinacy in research then in making or accepting decisions. These decisions are always uncertain and imperfect but they are the expression of the vitality and the creativity of an interdisciplinary approach to serve the doctor-patient relationship.