Ethical considerations in the treatment of AIDS patients in the intensive care unit

Crit Care Clin. 1993 Jan;9(1):115-23.

Abstract

The treatment of patients with AIDS in the ICU presents the clinician with special challenges. The admission policies of ICUs are examined, and the authors suggest ways in which ethical difficulties may be minimized. A new concept of futility is suggested, which considers both the patient's holistic needs together with his or her immediate medical prognosis. Changes in the law regarding patient choice are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / mortality
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / psychology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / therapy*
  • Advance Directives
  • Choice Behavior
  • Ethics, Medical*
  • Holistic Health
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units / organization & administration
  • Intensive Care Units / standards*
  • Organizational Policy
  • Patient Admission*
  • Patient Participation
  • Patient Selection*
  • Prognosis
  • Resource Allocation
  • Survival Rate
  • Terminal Care
  • Withholding Treatment