Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in End of Life Decisions

The landscape of legal, ethical, and professional considerations in end of life care decisions is very complicated and can be sensitive. Recognising the significance of these issues, a comprehensive exploration of the challenges faced by concerned healthcare stakeholders is indicative and desirable. Legal framework surrounding end of life decisions, including advance directives, living wills, and the delicate balance between patient autonomy and healthcare professionals&s; responsibilities, will be examined. Ethical considerations, emphasising the importance of patient autonomy and wellness in the body and soul, will address beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. In providing end of life care, the clinical, psychosocial, and related considerations and decisions of healthcare professionals are important in balancing between the preferences and wishes of the patient and family, and the professional responsibilities. The chapter will illustrate a comprehensive discussion on the legal, ethical, and professional issues in end of life decisions with case examples.