Resolving Ethical Tensions between Prolonged Modern Deaths and Patient Centered Care

This session is generously supported by the Completed Life Initiative.

Critics of the right to die often indicate that a person’s choice to determine the timing and circumstances of their end of life trajectory opposes the notion that no one – including the patient – should interfere with the timing of death. Advances in medical technology with life-extending standards of care have unnaturally extended life beyond what individuals used to expect as a natural life expectancy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Remediation of ancient diseases, such as tuberculosis and smallpox, have greatly increased the likelihood we will live past retirement, without necessarily living better lives: to some, quality of life lessens due to falls or organ failures; social isolation increases; as does the risk of medical complications, which usually precipitate extreme heroic measures. This session will explore how modern deaths are often unnaturally prolonged, and will offer insights into how individuals and their families, communities and healthcare professionals can refocus choice of care conversations to uphold and empower patient centered care at the end of life.