Abstract

KIE: Winkenwerder describes a disagreement about proper management of a critically ill patient that arose during his tenure as a house staff physician. Despite the attending physician's consideration of the family's wishes and the best interests of the patient, the resident was uneasy with the decision to continue life-prolonging treatment and the role he was to play in implementing such procedures. The author argues that ethical decisions within the group of physicians caring for a patient, especially one who is terminally ill, are not always resolved to everyone's satisfaction. What then are the rights and duties of residents to refuse further participation in care? Winkenwerder suggests dealing with conflicts through recognizing value differences, increasing formal ethics teaching, using consultants, and maximizing communication among members of patient care teams.