When someone is headed toward the end of their life, there are vital issues that should be addressed, as well as recorded and notarized. This would avoid leaving these crucial decisions for your loved ones to struggle with. The physician's belief is important, one should understand that (a difference in beliefs can be a conflict of interest). The standard of medical care in the United States has been compromised, since physicians' beliefs interfere with treatment that is in the best interest of the patient. Once you are informed by your medical doctor that the end of your life is approaching, an Advance Directive (Living Will) is a good place to start with documenting your end of life decisions. Is euthanasia against the patient's moral values or not? Discuss organ donations, abortion, and lastly the discussion about terminating life support. Terminally ill patients must plan for their final days of life (with the assumption of quality care). .
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Medical ethics is one of the most important issues regarding quality patient care. Physicians must do what's best for the patient (Gale) which is to act in the best interest of the patient. Our healthcare system has progressed from professional care to business profit. There is a conflict of values, commitments and interests when considering medical treatment. There are financial incentives to limit care or access to care. After 21 years of working in administrative offices in the medical field, one thing that is common knowledge is that if the executives keep costs down at their hospital and/or medical facility, they'll receive a bonus at the end of the fiscal year. .
In some situations cutting costs meant not ordering a recommended, but expensive test for a patient. Most healthcare providers do adhere to a code of ethics which indicates patient welfare is the primary responsibility. But profit is the goal of the business person, as oppose to professional commitments to the patient's quality of care.
