J Korean Med Assoc.  2009 Sep;52(9):865-870. 10.5124/jkma.2009.52.9.865.

Patient Autonomy and Advance Directives in Korea

• Heo DS

• KMID: 1936490
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2009.52.9.865

Abstract

There has been a controversy in Korea regarding a 'death with dignity' in comparison to a 'natural death'. However, the issue of patient autonomy is often overlooked. Decision on withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment should be based on the patients' selfdetermination, prefereably in the form of advance directives. Consensus developed by the National Evidence -based Healthcare Collaborating Agency is as follows: (1) a doctor should offer a detailed explanation to patients, including about hospice-palliative care and advance directives, (2) when a terminally ill patient expresses reluctance regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation or an artificial respirator in advance, such medical actions can be removed, with basic nutrition supply and pain control maintained. However, more discussions should be made in the case of a patient in "persistent vegetative state".

Keyword

Patient autonomy; Advance directives; Terminal patient; Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment

MeSH Terms

Advance Directives
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Consensus
Delivery of Health Care
Humans
Korea
Terminally Ill
Ventilators, Mechanical

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