Q J Med 1992; 83: 419-426
© 1992 Association of Physicians
research-article |
AIDS and the Ethics of Medical Care and Treatment
Institute of Medical Ethics Working Party on the Ethical Implications of AIDS*
Accepted for publication 3 April 1992.
HIV infection and AIDS have accelerated a trend from paternalism to partnership in relationships between clinicians and patients. Partnership is based on respect for autonomy and is expressed through open dialogue; its moral aims are summed up in the concept of mutual empowerment This has practical implications for clinical care and treatment, which are discussed here with particular reference to mental impairment or incapacity, unhelpful, harmful or unorthodox therapies, and discontinuing life-prolonging treatment.
*Members of the Working Party: The Rt Hon Sir Patrick Nairne (Chairman); Professor B Almond, Director, Social Values Research Centre, University of Hull; Miss M Danilunas, Solicitor, Gray's Inn; Miss U Gallagher, Nursing Adviser, Charing Cross Hospital; Honorary Research Fellow, IME; Dr R Gillon, General Practioner; Editor, Journal of Medical Ethics; Mr J Grimshaw, Director, The Landmar; Mr K. Howse, Philosopher; Honorary Research Fellow, IME; Dame R Hurley, Professor of Mierobiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School; Mr M Marland, Headmaster, North Westminster Community School; Professor A Pinching, Professor of Immunology, St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College; Mrs R Short, Member, Medical Research Council; Mr R Wells, Oncology Nursing Adviser, Royal Marsden Hospital; Mrs Patricia Wilkie, Research Fellow, St George's Hospital Medical School; Dr D Zideman, Consultant Anaesthetist, Hammersmith Hospital; Dr Kenneth M Boyd (Secretary).