Medical ethics and the elderly

The Fourth Edition of this bestselling, highly regarded book has been fully revised to incorporate changes in law and clinical guidance making a vital impact on patient management, encompassing: The Equalities Act 2010 which provides a right of older people to treatment without discrimination ; Case law on withdrawing nutrition and hydration ; Updated guidance on resuscitation from the Resuscitation Council, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing ; The redefining of good medical practice by the General Medical Council ; The abolition of the Liverpool Care Pathway with an updated guidance on end of life care and advance care planning. Expanded throughout, this new edition also integrates two entirely new chapters covering testamentary capacity and role of the physician, and religious beliefs and end of life issues. Its practical, reflective and informative approach continue to make it essential reading for all health professionals, particularly trainees, involved in making difficult decisions in the care of older persons. It is also highly recommended for undergraduate medical students.

Principles of medical ethics -- Confidentiality -- Informed consent -- Decisions on life-sustaining therapy : nutrition and fluid -- Communication -- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation -- Mental capacity and best interests -- Testamentary capacity and the role of the physician -- Advance decisions/advance decisions to refuse treatment -- Ethical issues in stroke management -- Ethics of driving assessment in dementia : care, competence and communication -- Achieving a good death -- Religious beliefs of patients and end-of-life decisions -- Ethical issues in dementia -- The lawful use of restraints -- Quality of life in healthcare decisions -- Ethical issues and expenditure on health and social care.