Law and Ethics in Intensive Care

Book excerpt: Every day, intensive care medicine raises multiple legal and ethical issues, making it increasingly difficult to know whom to admit and when, at what stage invasive management should be withdrawn, and who, crucially, should deride? These profound dilemmas, already complicated in a setting of scarce resources, demand an understanding of law and ethics for those working in intensive care medicine. When are 'Do Not Attempt Resuscitation' decisions appropriate? When doctors, patients, and relatives cannot agree, what options are available outside the courts? Who protects the rights of those who lack capacity? And, after Covid-19, what if rationing of intensive care treatment is necessary? Clinically focused, the book explains the relevance of leading cases to aid day-to-day decision making. A spectrum of ethical and legal controversies in critical care is addressed to demonstrate how law and ethics shape the practice of intensive care medicine. Featuring contributions from leading legal and medical experts, this important reference book should be read by critical care professionals, lawyers, and ethicists. Book jacket.