Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 14

Case study - Essay Example It will explore the aspect of euthanasia and its interrelation with the Hippocratic Oath where the doctors have to make a decision whether to save their lives or to let the patients die willingly. It will also explore the issue of legal consent obliged to the patients. The essay argues that doctors have a moral duty to save patients lives according to the Hippocratic Oath. Patients suffering from terminal illnesses sometimes give up and prefer death to pain. John’s case is an example of a patient who has given up and wants death through euthanasia. Hopelessness is one of the factors that associates with euthanasia and is a contributor of early death. It is characterized by the patient’s loss of fighting spirit due to factors such as poor prognosis, pain, undesirable effects of treatment and rapid deterioration of health and advancement of illness. Most patients with terminal cancer usually have a sense of hopelessness and in many times lose the self-control and the self-belief that they can prolong their life. Loss of control makes them to consider decisions such suicide and euthanasia (DeGrazia 42). Other Issues such extreme suffering and high medical bills can easily convince the patient to consider euthanasia. In such a case, the doctors should practice positive psychology and instill hope and optimism that they will do everything in their ability to help the patient recover and continue with life. Doctors should encourage patients to take control of all aspects of their lives and have a fighting spirit. In John’s case, Dr. R and Dr. S should have dissuaded Mr. John H from taking such a decision and that there was still a chance that John would survive. At the time John made such a decision, the two doctors had some chance of trying to improve John’s health even though it was in a deterioration state. It is the role of healthcare providers to provide