Question

Talk in length about the ethical issue in the health care system, life support. Why are people for it and others are against it. What are the opposing sides of the argument, the pros and cons. Talk about the religious side to why people are against it. Which side do you stand on and why?

Answer 1

One of the controversial topic in health care system,is related to the importance of maintaining life support in critically ill patient.

The main reason why majority of the people are against it ,is from the mere fact that it does not cure the underlying illness,instead act as an aide in prolonging the life .

Some of the pros of maintaining a Life support system in an acute care setting are

1.By providing life support,we are actually giving a chance of survival ,as the patient himself cannot make any decisions.Furthermore the time given for the family to hope and for the patient to survive is precious.

2.When a patient's in life support system,majority of the family members expect an immediate recovery of their beloved one and over time they will reach a point when letting go and death becomes a sensible option for them and for the patient,the grieving will be lower as they know the fact that they have given a chance for the patient to recover.

3.Donating the organs of their loved ones is one of the best part in life support system.When patient is in mechanical ventilation ,this will give enough time for making decisions to transplant organs ,as well as prolonging life until the organ is transferred.

Pros are

1.The agony of the immediate family members will be increased,as the have to see them everyday fighting for life with no signs of improvement.

2.It could have a drastic effect on the financial resources of the patient as well as to the family members .As the cost of the life support system ,the titrating medications are expensive and often need huge amount to cover up the expenses.

3.Side-effects related to life support are often uncontrollable,while inserting tubes for artificial nutrition and feeding it could damage associated organs .

On religious perspective,some people believe that life and death are both God gifted ,therefore being part of life processes we have no right to hinder it.Different religions have different viewpoints in relation to end care treatments.

In my perspective ,I strongly believe in providing life support system,as in many cases miracles happened and patient survived ,though chances are low .But still some critically ill patients ,actively respond to treatment while in ventilation,giving a time frame for the patient to improve or deteriorate.