Medical Ethics and the Elderly: practical guide

Medical ethics is central to the sound practice of medicine, & in the field of geriatrics in particular, difficult ethical dilemmas are faced almost every day. This concise, introductory handbook discusses the basic principles of medical ethics, & includes practical, realistic guidance on how to evaluate & manage common ethical problems, focusing on the care of elderly patients. Typical scenarios faced in clinical practice, such as issues of mental capacity & consent, resuscitation, near death decisions, quality of life, & health care expenditure, are discussed. Example cases illustrating specific situations are included throughout. Selected Contents: Principles of Medical Ethics * Determining Mental Capacity & Competence * Informed Consent * Advance Directives * Decisions on Life-Sustaining Therapy: Nutrition & Fluid * Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation * Achieving "A Good Death" * The Use of Physical Restraints * Ethical Issues in Dementia * Ethical Issues in Stroke Management * Quality of Life in Health Care Decisions * Ethical Issues & Expenditure on Health & Social Care