Pathologie avancée et défaillances d'organes : outil d'aide à la décision

Assessing the required intensity of care in patients with severe disease, especially those with metastatic lung cancer, is a difficult task. To assist caregivers in this task, a 'decision-making tool in case of worsening of a patient with a serious illness' has been established at the centre hospitalo-universitaire de Grenoble. This document has been prepared in compliance with Leonetti's law on patients' rights and end of life. It highlights the importance of taking into account the patient's wishes in the event of acute worsening of his condition. According to his opinion and the experience of the medical and paramedical team that usually take care of him, a level of intensity of care is proposed. These suggestions help medical decisions when required. This tool enhances 'doctor-patient' relationship given the patient's participation in medical decisions. It also allows for an optimal and reasonable care of the patient when there is organ failure. A prospective evaluation of the value of this tool in thoracic oncology is planned.