Over the years, I have given inservice trainings on a variety of hospice-related topics to various hospitals, Grand Rounds, or monthly physician’s meetings.
I talked about end of life care and the ways hospice does and does not fit into the medical model. It was always a hard sell. It seemed at every meeting a physician would state that the medical model is “never stop trying.” By never admitting defeat we learn to help others, to cure disease. The medical model of always treating is how disease is conquered.”
I agree with that philosophy. We learn from each situation. We learn what to do and what not to do. What works, helps, and what doesn’t. What I don’t agree with is making it an across the board, “we never stop trying” policy.
Everyone dies. Death will not be conquered. It can be forestalled and that is where the medical model comes in. We learn through trying. The medical rounds physician is correct — BUT (I knew you were waiting for the BUT) I think the patient has the right to make that decision, not the physician.
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