Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics

Abstract

Retrospective Review of Medical Futility and Ethics Consultations at MD Anderson Cancer Center

Colleen M. Gallagher and Ryan F. Holmes

Ethics consultations, conducted over an 11-year span at a major cancer center, were reviewed and medical futility emerged as the most identified ethical issue. Medical futility is commonly understood as treatment that would not provide any meaningful benefit for the patient. While medical facts help determine what is medically appropriate, it is often difficult for patients, families, surrogate decision-makers and healthcare providers to navigate these complex and immensely challenging situations. This paper presents some of the common and confounding issues that have been brought to the attention of a Clinical Ethics Service and delineates some effective methods for physicians to address medical futilty at the end of life.