Geriatric Anesthesia: A Practical Guide

Author(s): Nikhil Bhana and Jennifer Ocbo * .

DOI: 10.2174/9789815238877124010019

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Ethics and Legal Issues in Geriatric Anesthesia

Pp: 308-323 (16)

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Abstract

This chapter discusses the ethical and legal challenges faced by anesthesiologists in geriatric anesthesia due to medical, economic, and social issues. Anesthesiologists must exhibit patience, understanding, and compassion in order to overcome multiple challenges. It is also imperative that they stay up-to-date on the issues facing this particular population in order to adequately address them efficiently through collaborative communication and active involvement in patient care.

Keywords:

Anesthesia, Advanced directive, Anesthesiologist, Autonomy, Consent, Competency, Decision-making capacity, Ethics, Geriatrics, Legal, Living will, Medical decisions, Medical futility, POLST, Palliative care, Power of attorney, Surrogate decision-making, Voluntary.

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