| Theme | Diagnostic and Therapeutic Guidelines in End-stage Renal Failure | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Selection of dialysis withholding and withdrawing | |
| Publish Date | 2004/01 | |
| Author | Seiji Ohira | Sapporo Kita Clinic |
| [ Summary ] | Both withholding and withdrawing dialysis are now considered therapeutic options with the condition that the patient is fully informed and understands and accepts the present status and characteristics of dialysis therapy. Surrogate decision making is needed if the patient has lost the ability for self determination. This is permitted because modern medicine stands on the basis of "self determination". It can be assumed that there are many factors involved in the patient's decision to withhold or withdraw dialysis. Health care professionals must make the utmost efforts to eliminate the difficulties patients complain of. If the patient's decision is still unchanged, their request must be honored. However, many difficult problems arise. In this paper, related published guidelines are introduced and analyzed. |
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