Better Medical Decision Making for Incapacitated Patients - UCLA Health Ethics Center
Explore the complex issue of medical decision-making for incapacitated patients without healthcare surrogates in this comprehensive lecture by Thaddeus M. Pope, JD, PhD, Director of the Health Law Institute at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Delve into the definition of decision-making capacity, assessment methods, and the challenges faced when patients lack capacity. Examine the growing problem of "unbefriended" patients and the various approaches to making medical decisions on their behalf. Analyze different consent mechanisms, including interdisciplinary teams, solo physician decisions, and the use of expert neutrals. Gain insights into the ethical considerations and legal frameworks surrounding this critical healthcare issue, and understand the importance of developing appropriate protocols for managing the care of incapacitated patients without surrogates.