Ethics In End-of-life Decisions in Social Work Practice

Case studies and discussion show the complex end-of-life decisions faced by patients, families, and healthcare workers. The authors, experienced social workers, offer approaches for resolving debates about informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the refusal or denial of medical treatment. Referring to bioethical and legal considerations, the authors give both ethical and practical methods for dealing with the potentially charged decisions and negotiations between patients, families, and healthcare workers.