RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Personal values and cancer treatment refusal
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 358
OP 362
DO 10.1136/jme.26.5.358
VO 26
IS 5
A1 Huijer, Marli
A1 van Leeuwen, Evert
YR 2000
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/26/5/358.abstract
AB This pilot study explores the reasons patients have for refusing chemotherapy, and the ways oncologists respond to them. Our hypothesis, generated from interviews with patients and oncologists, is that an ethical approach that views a refusal as an autonomous choice, in which patients are informed about the pros and cons of treatment and have to decide by weighing them, is not sufficient. A different ethical approach is needed to deal with the various evaluations that play a role in treatment refusal. If patients forgo further treatment, while curative or palliative methods are available, there is no perspective from which to integrate the weighing of pros and cons of treatment and the preferences and values of individual cancer patients. A discrepancy thus results as regards what “good reasons” are, evoking misunderstandings or even breaking off communication. Suggestions are given for follow up research.