Treatment and care towards the end of life

Question 1

What should you do if a patient does not want to know detail about their condition?

Answer 1

You should respect their wishes as far as possible but you must explain the importance of providing at least the basic information they need in order to give valid consent to a proposed investigation or treatment - this is likely to include what the investigations aims to achieve and what it will involve (e.g if it is invasive/any pain/what can be done to minimise pain) and any serious risks

Question 2

In what circumstances can information be withheld from a patient (e.g if asked by someone close to the patient)?

Answer 2

Only if it would cause SERIOUS HARM. Serious harm means more than the patient might become upset or decide to refuse treatment.

Question 3

What is it important to remember when acting on advance requests for treatment?

Answer 3

Future decisions cannot be bound by a patient’s request for a particular treatment but teir request will be given weight by those making the decision