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Comment
. 2018;60(3):314-318.
doi: 10.1353/pbm.2018.0002.

Resolving Family-Clinician Disputes in the Context of Contested Definitions of Futility

Gabriel T Bosslet, Bernard Lo, Douglas B White
Comment

Resolving Family-Clinician Disputes in the Context of Contested Definitions of Futility

Gabriel T Bosslet et al. Perspect Biol Med. 2018.

Abstract

The word futile has been a touchstone in debates regarding resolution of disputes regarding life-prolonging treatments since the 1980s. Here, we respond to several criticisms of the Multiorganization Policy Statement, "An Official ATS/AACN/ACCP/ESICM/SCCM Policy Statement: Responding to Requests for Potentially Inappropriate Treatments in Intensive Care Units" (Bosslet et al. 2015). This response highlights the need for a strict definition of the word futile in order to avoid undue treatment differences when end-of-life interventions are contested. We also reply to several criticisms of this policy statement that are formulated upon fundamental misunderstandings of the statement and its assertions.

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  • The Abuse of Futility.
    Schneiderman LJ, Jecker NS, Jonsen AR. Schneiderman LJ, et al. Perspect Biol Med. 2018;60(3):295-313. doi: 10.1353/pbm.2018.0001. Perspect Biol Med. 2018. PMID: 29375057

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