Advances in Medical Ethics
Open Access

Enhancing Medicalization: Strategies for Avoiding End-of-Life Issues

Hanne Irene^{* *}Correspondence: Hanne Irene, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, Email:

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Description

As individuals approach the end of life, the focus of care often shifts from curative interventions to ensuring comfort and quality of life. However, the medicalization of dying, characterized by aggressive treatments and interventions aimed at prolonging life at all costs, can lead to unnecessary suffering and diminished dignity for patients. At the end of life, the goals of care should prioritize patient comfort, symptom management, and psychosocial support over aggressive medical interventions aimed at prolonging life. Shifting from a cure-oriented approach to a comfort-oriented approach requires a fundamental change in mind-set among healthcare providers, patients, and families, acknowledging the natural progression of terminal illness and the limitations of medical interventions in prolonging life indefinitely.

Symptom management

Effective end-of-life care begins with a holistic assessment of the patient's physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Healthcare providers must engage in open and honest discussions with patients and their families to identify goals of care, preferences for treatment, and priorities for symptom management. By addressing pain, dyspnea, nausea, anxiety, and other distressing symptoms promptly and comprehensively, healthcare providers can alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for patients nearing the end of life.

Shared decision-making

Advance Care Planning (ACP) plays a crucial role in facilitating informed decision-making and ensuring that patients' wishes are honored at the end of life. Encouraging patients to engage in ACP discussions early in the disease trajectory empowers them to articulate their preferences for medical treatments, resuscitation status, and end-of-life care options. Shared decision-making between patients, families, and healthcare providers promotes collaboration, transparency, and respect for patient autonomy, allowing for care plans that align with patients' values and goals.

Care integration

Integrating palliative care and hospice services into the continuum of care for patients with advanced illness is essential for optimizing symptom management, enhancing quality of life, and supporting patients and families through the dying process. Palliative care focuses on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for patients with serious illness, while hospice care provides comprehensive end-of-life care for patients with a prognosis of six months or less to live. By providing timely access to palliative and hospice services, healthcare providers can ensure that patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Avoiding overtreatment requires healthcare providers to engage in honest discussions with patients and families about the potential risks and benefits of medical interventions.

Enhancing communication and cultural sensitivity

Effective communication is essential for navigating end-of-life issues and ensuring that patients' preferences and values are honored throughout the dying process. Healthcare providers must communicate with sensitivity, empathy, and cultural competence, recognizing and respecting patients' diverse beliefs, values, and cultural practices. By encouraging open and honest dialogue, healthcare providers can build trust, alleviate fears, and promote shared understanding between patients, families, and care teams.

Conclusion

Avoiding end-of-life issues using medicines and treatment requires a comprehensive and holistic approach that prioritizes patient comfort, dignity, and quality of life. By shifting from a cure-oriented model to a comfort-oriented model of care, healthcare providers can optimize symptom management, facilitate advance care planning, and promote shared decisionmaking that aligns with patients' values and preferences. By enhancing communication, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration among patients, families, and care teams, create a compassionate and supportive environment that honors the dignity and humanity of every individual as they approach the end of life.