Choices in Uncertainty

Andrej Michalsen*, Mervyn Mer, RG Hoff, Uwe Janssens, Nicolas Sadovnikoff

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

A simple maxim for clinical ethics could read, “meaning well and doing good,” or “making treatment choices that integrate sensible medical options with the individual patient’s wishes and values.” With respect to this goal, optimal decision-making should be based on a combination of sound medical practice, clinicians’ personal virtues, shared decision-making both within the team and between the team and the patient/family, and strong team leadership. However, a Sisyphus-like struggle for certainty is increasingly counteracting achieving the objective of realistic, goal-oriented care decisions and their subsequent implementation. What we believe is needed is a cultural change toward accepting uncertainty as an integral component of the landscape of disease, decision-making, and treatment—rather than an obstacle that needs to be overcome.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEthics in Intensive Care Medicine
EditorsAndrej Michalsen, Nicholas Sadovnikoff, Jozef Kesecioglu
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer
Chapter14
Pages157-167
Number of pages11
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-29390-0
ISBN (Print)978-3-031-29389-4, 978-3-031-29392-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jul 2023

Publication series

NameLessons from the ICU
VolumePart F1176
ISSN (Print)2522-5928
ISSN (Electronic)2522-5936

Keywords

  • Clinical ethics
  • Critical care
  • Decision-making
  • Intensive care medicine
  • Medical education
  • Uncertainty

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