Introduction

On the medicine wards, you will have patients who are receiving treatments or interventions that keep them alive, and you will face the decision to discontinue these treatments. Examples include dialysis for acute or chronic renal failure and mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure. In some circumstances, these treatments are no longer of benefit, while in others the patient or family no longer want them.

On the medicine wards, you will have patients who are receiving treatments or interventions that keep them alive, and you will face the decision to discontinue these treatments. Examples include dialysis for acute or chronic renal failure and mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure. In some circumstances, these treatments are no longer of benefit, while in others the patient or family no longer want them.