Book Description

He sensitively discusses many important concerns so as to facilitate such dialogue, for example: the questions to ask a doctor at the onset of illness; the fear of pain or physical deterioration (e.g., from AIDS or chemotherapy); the spiritual, legal, and financial counsel available to patient and family; the medical "choices" a patient may have in pursuit of a dignified death; the official documents to prepare (e.g., a living will, a power of attorney, a healthcare proxy) for the patient's last wishes; the possible merits of hospice care for the medical and spiritual benefits of patient and family. Featuring poignant case histories, Dr. Burnell describes in clear, nontechnical language the painful ethical and legal complications that surface when patients and families do not pursue the possibility of "do not resuscitate" (DNR) orders in lieu of life-prolonging measures. Unlike other books in the field, Final Choices does not underplay the dilemmas posed by modern medical technology.