About this Lesson
CASES
Ready for Discharge?
An Issue of Respect
A Patient's Decision?
PERSPECTIVES
Family Member
Supervisor
Physician
Nurse
Physician Assistant
Patient Perspective
THEMES
Ethical Decision Making

Mark, a 43-year-old computer programmer, has been in and out of remission for a rare form of leukemia for the past 5 years. Mark has a wife and 3-year-old daughter, and his parents live close by. His treatment regime has been very difficult and painful. When his disease recently worsened, his oncologist recommended a new and experimental treatment, but Mark has decided against treatment. He has discussed this at length with his wife and his clergyman - and, although saddened, they respect his wishes. You and your colleagues are meeting with Mark and his parents to discuss his decision. As you will see, there is a great deal of disagreement among the members of the healthcare team.

Well, Mark, I’m sure you will understand why I have difficulty with your decision. I don’t think you have thought this through. The new treatment we are recommending has a lot of promise, although we can’t be sure it will help in your case. We have to keep on trying to win this war. Do you want me to explain what we plan to do again?