Exercises in Futility: Ethical Challenges in Otolaryngology

Abstract

Program Description:

Medical futility is an evolving ethical dilemma with which otolaryngologists must become familiar, as we shoulder unique challenges regarding limitations upon what we can and should offer our patients. This course will describe an ethical framework that integrates existing clinical practice guidelines, professional codes of conduct, and healthcare law, designed to help participants make practical bedside decisions. Case studies will be presented exploring issues including tracheotomy requests for critically ill patients and end-of-life care in head and neck cancer. Using audience participation, we will probe these difficult questions, hone analytic skills, and suggest nuanced and practical approaches in an interactive format.

Educational Objectives:

1) Define the concept of medical futility as it relates to the practice of otolaryngology. 2) Describe an ethical context addressing medical futility that integrates existing clinical practice guidelines, professional codes of conduct, and healthcare law. 3) Apply this framework to approach challenging ethical dilemmas at the bedside and appropriately engage patients and families when making clinical decisions.