1. Should Dialysis Be Stopped for an Unrepresented Patient With Metastatic Cancer?
- Author
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Hulkower A, Garijo-Garde S, and Flicker LS
- Subjects
- Aged, Humans, Male, Neoplasm Metastasis, New York, North Carolina, Vulnerable Populations, Clinical Decision-Making, Renal Dialysis ethics, Terminal Care ethics, Terminal Care legislation & jurisprudence, Withholding Treatment ethics, Withholding Treatment legislation & jurisprudence
- Abstract
Unrepresented patients (also referred to as unbefriended, patients alone, patients without proxy, or isolated patients) are among the most vulnerable persons entering the health care system. Legislation concerning these patients varies across the United States, resulting in disparities in care. For example, the statutory definition of who is unrepresented varies. In some states, clergy or close friends may act as surrogates; in other states, they cannot do so. Available end-of-life options also differ, creating significant disparities in end-of-life care for these patients., (© 2019 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.)
- Published
- 2019
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