Content
Ethical issues involved in the transition to palliation and end of life care for people with chronic conditions: A Discussion Paper for patients, carers, and health professionals
October 2009
This Discussion Paper explores key ethical questions that arise when an individual’s health care needs change from treatment and management of a chronic condition to palliative and other treatments in what will be the final phase of life: the transition phase. Times of transition involve new decisions about what is important to individuals about how they wish to be treated and cared for and by whom. Clarity about the ethical values at stake in these decisions can help to facilitate decision making and enhance patient focussed care. Comment is invited as to whether or not the issues and questions posed by the Discussion Paper are likely to be useful in assisting individuals to reflect on the ethical aspects of this transition phase and whether the ethical values identified can be used to inform the (collaborative) decision making that needs to be made in times of transition.
How to make a submission
The Discussion Paper can be downloaded below or obtained by phoning (02) 6217 9070.
Electronic submissions are strongly preferred. If this is not possible, please make your submission in writing (preferably typed or word processed) or on audio tape and submit it by mail. Electronic submissions should be emailed to the address below.
Please ensure that the author of the submission and organisation (if applicable) is clearly stated. If you would like your submission to be treated as confidential, please indicate this clearly (for example, by marking CONFIDENTIAL on each page of your written submission). Submissions may be subject to release under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. All submissions will have personal contact details removed prior to becoming publicly available on the NHMRC website.
| ethics@nhmrc.gov.au (please include Transitions to palliative care consultation in the subject line) | |
| FAX | 02 6217 9175 |
| Transitions to palliative care consultation Health and Research Ethics National Health and Medical Research Council GPO Box 1421 CANBERRA ACT 2601 |
Submissions close at 5pm AEST on Friday, 8 January 2010.
