Article Text
PDFAt the coalface: medical ethics in practice
A double dose of double effect
Abstract
This paper presents a clinically orientated illustration of the doctrine of double effect. The case of an elderly gentleman with advanced cancer is discussed, with particular emphasis on two dilemmas encountered during the terminal phase of his illness. The author describes how the doctrine of double effect was applied to help the team make some complex management decisions.
- Doctrine of double effect
- competence
- ethics
- beneficence
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Footnotes
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C E Kendall, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, is Senior House Officer in Palliative Medicine, St Peter's Hospice, Bristol. Address for correspondence: St Peter's Hospice, St Agnes Avenue, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2DU.
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