Disentangling ethical and psychological issues: A guide for oncologists Journal Article


Author: Lederberg, M. S.
Article Title: Disentangling ethical and psychological issues: A guide for oncologists
Abstract: The rapid growth of bioethics has injected a new style of analysis into medicine. It requires philosophical rigor, yet is deeply embedded in human situations that frustrate abstract thinking and are laced with subjective factors. These interlaced ethical and psychological components can lead to conflicts and dilemmas. Doctors, as experts and decision-makers, play a key role, but will benefit from additional skills to disentangle these situations. This paper notes ways in which patients, families and caregivers are newly vulnerable and delineates how ethical dilemmas and psychological issues mold or frustrate decision-making. To help physicians manage such cases, a method of systematic analysis, the 'situational diagnosis', and a related hierarchy of interventions, is described and illustrated with case examples.
Keywords: adult; treatment outcome; aged; neoplasms; medical decision making; family health; risk factors; practice guideline; oncology; patient care; adaptation, psychological; terminal care; physician attitude; professional-patient relations; medical ethics; clinical trials; social psychology; ethics, medical; death and euthanasia; humans; human; male; priority journal; article; professional patient relationship
Journal Title: Acta Oncologica
Volume: 38
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0284-186X
Publisher: Informa Healthcare  
Date Published: 1999-01-01
Start Page: 771
End Page: 779
Language: English
DOI: 10.1080/028418699432932
PUBMED: 10522768
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 16 August 2016 -- Source: Scopus
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