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Comment
. 2018;60(3):328-330.
doi: 10.1353/pbm.2018.0004.

Futility: Definition and Goals

Howard Brody
Comment

Futility: Definition and Goals

Howard Brody. Perspect Biol Med. 2018.

Abstract

Schneiderman, Jecker, and Jonsen (2017) correctly take issue with a recent multi-society statement that attempts to replace most uses of the term futility with "inappropriate treatment." However, they mistakenly categorize any treatment of permanent unconsciousness as futile. Futility can be readily defined as an intervention that will not work, and it is always an incomplete statement unless one specifies the goal one hopes to achieve.

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Comment on

  • 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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