Ethical issues in palliative sedation in end-of-life cancer patients

Abstract

Malta is presently experiencing fast and vital socio-cultural changes that are affecting the way the society’s perceives end-of-life problems. The aim of this study is to explore the moral views with regards to Palliative sedation at the end-of-life of patients with cancer, to extend awareness on the use of palliative sedation in such patients and distinguish between the employment of palliative sedation and mercy killing. Based on a critical review of the literature on palliative sedation, a summary of the varieties of palliative sedation which will be thought of at the end-of-life of patients with cancer are going to be provided in chapter one. The main target of this chapter is to identify when the use of palliative sedation is helpful to alleviate patients from existential suffering. Psycho-existential factors like, feeling of worthlessness, inability to care for oneself, death anxiety, need to measure the time of death, and therefore the feeling of isolation are going to be mentioned. The second chapter can explore the moral arguments in respect to palliative sedation. Furthermore, the main moral values to approve the use of palliative sedation are mentioned underneath the principle of double effect, the principle of proportionality and the principle of autonomy. The problem of consent for patients and their families, once altered consciousness is present, will also be mentioned. The final chapter will discuss, the present controversy that palliative sedation is probable to possess life-shortening effects. This type of sedation can stay a far debated and controversial issue among palliative care and is commonly named as slow mercy killing, particularly once combined with withholding or retreating of treatment. II Moreover, this chapter will distinguish the moral difference between palliative sedation and euthanasia, additionally because of the morality of keeping someone in a conscious state. The importance of achieving the perfect level of palliative sedation with reference to the patients’ interests will be highlighted. By merging all articles and books read throughout this dissertation, recommendations on further research, education will be given. Ways to provide applicable and progressively useful care that is accessible, leading to high quality palliative care provided.