Medical futility in Lebanon -

Abstract

Background: Medical futility is a controversial issue and has been defined by many scholars; medical futility means that the proposed therapy should not be performed because available data show that it will not improve the patient’s medical condition.Purpose: The main purpose of this project is to highlight the concept of medical futility, define what it is, and investigate why it lacks clarity in Lebanon. A second purpose is to provide guidelines for nurses and physicians involved in medical futility discussions.Data Collection: This report expands on the literature review undertaken in a recent international report on medical futility in thirteen developed and developing countries. Since, Lebanon was not included in the report; this project provides the missing data and discusses its implications for policy makers and managers of healthcare facilities. A comparative analysis of the status of medical futility in the United States, Australia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates provides the background for clarifying the situation in Lebanon.Results: There are no published reports on medical futility in Lebanon. However, health care providers in the country, including doctors and nurses need clarity about what medical futility is and how to discuss it with patients and families. This project report call for dialogue about medial futility in Lebanon and more transparency in end-of-life care decisions. Recommendations: Legislative changes and guidelines for health care organizations are recommended. Scholars are encouraged to conduct further studies and case reports to promote further discussion of medical futility in Lebanon. Open engagement with the challenges of end-of-life care, particularly medical futility will assist policy and guideline development for use in Lebanon.