Over the years, I have given inservice trainings on a variety of Hospice-related topics to various hospitals, Grand Rounds, or monthly physician’s meetings.
I talked about end of life care and the ways hospice does and does not fit into the medical model. It was always a hard sell. It seemed at every meeting a physician would state that the medical model is “never stop trying.” By never admitting defeat we learn to help others, to cure disease. The medical model of always treating is how disease is conquered.”
I agree with that philosophy. We learn from each situation. We learn what to do and what not to do. What works, helps, and what doesn’t. What I don’t agree with is making it an across the board, “we never stop trying” policy.
Everyone dies. Death will not be conquered. It can be forestalled and that is where the medical model comes in. We learn through trying. The medical rounds physician is correct — BUT (I knew you were waiting for the BUT) I think the patient has the right to make that decision, not the physician.
I think the patient has the right to be told the possibility of cure, the likely outcomes of a specific treatment. They have a right to be told their chances and really that we, the medical profession, are trying but may not succeed in curing.
There are many people that will try every possible treatment to forestall death. It feels like we are “giving up” if we don’t try.
Here is what I am trying to address: we have a right to be told our chances of a cure. Physicians have that responsibility. Palliative care and an early hospice referral is part of healing. A different kind of healing: a healing of the mind and of the Emotions. It also provides the opportunity to heal Relationships. By recognizing not every person or disease is an opportunity to advance medicine, we are caring for people, not just diseases.
Something More… about Not Every Patient Is a Battle to Win
If you or someone you Love is facing a serious illness, I encourage you to ask the hard questions. What are the chances of cure? What are the goals of treatment?
Hospice isn’t about giving up. It’s about caring for the whole person with honesty and compassion.
I offer you support with Gone From My Sight and By Your Side, which gently guides patients and families through the final months, weeks, and days of life.
Originally Published on https://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-about
