We are often faced with difficult decisions about withholding or withdrawing care for our patients. It can be a tough and emotionally charged situation, but I believe it's important to have open and honest conversations with patients and their loved ones about their options and what they want.
I remember one specific instance where I had to have this conversation with a family member. I told them that if they chose to put their loved one on a ventilator, they would also have to make the decision to take them off of it. This can be a heavy responsibility, and it's important to consider the quality of life and the patient's wishes.
After much consideration, the family ultimately decided not to put their loved one on the ventilator and instead allowed nature to take its course. It was a difficult decision, but it was ultimately the right one for the patient and their family.
It's important to understand that end-of-life care is not just about prolonging life but also about providing comfort and quality of life for our patients. It's a delicate balance, but one that we must strive for in order to provide the best care possible.
Kevin Haselhorst is an emergency physician and author of Wishes To Die For: Expanding Upon Doing Less in Advance Care Directives.
Link in bio or visit kevinmd.com/podcast
#endoflifecare #palliativecare #patientcenteredcare #hospicecare #medicalethics #caregiver #doctorslife #medicallife #healthcareprovider #qualityoflife #elderlycare
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast
RATE AND REVIEW → https://www.kevinmd.com/rate
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM → https://www.instagram.com/kevinphomd
FOLLOW ON TIKTOK → https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinphomd
