Physician-assisted suicide in Oregon: a bold experiment

Article Abstract:

There are several unresolved issues and potential problems surrounding the Oregon Death With Dignity Act. Under this law, terminally ill patients can ask physicians for a lethal prescription. Oregon physicians must determine their moral and ethical position on physician-assisted suicide so they can communicate the position to their patients. Physicians also must carefully judge a patient's prognosis to determine if death would likely occur within six months. Physicians must know lethal dosages of the medications they are prescribing, and which drugs are most effective to prevent the suicide from failing. Physicians should advise patients that lethal medications may not lull the patient into a tranquil sleep ending in death. Options such as hospice and other pain-reliving care should be discussed with patients. Physician-assisted suicide should be the last resort.

Social aspects, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Suicide

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Laws mandating reporting of domestic violence: do they promote patient well-being

Article Abstract:

Recommendations for policies that would protect victims of domestic violence are set forth. The safety of battered women could be jeopardized by mandatory reporting. Domestic violence involves assaults of a sexual or psychological nature perpetrated by an intimate partner. Between 90% and 95% of victims are female. Forty-nine states mandate reporting when the victim's injury involves a deadly weapon. States may require reporting of injuries that result from violent acts and crimes. But battered women often have continuous contact with the perpetrator so they need protection that mandatory reporting currently does not afford. Health care centers, police, protective services and courts should provide appropriate care and assistance.

Analysis, Family violence, Domestic violence, Women patients, Battered woman syndrome (Law), Battered person syndrome

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Detention of persistently nonadherent patients with tuberculosis

Article Abstract:

States that allow tuberculosis patients to be detained for treatment need to provide adequate facilities so patients can be kept until they complete treatment. In California in 1994 and 1995, county officials detained or arrested 49 tuberculosis patients who were not compliant with treatment. Forty-one completed therapy but only 20 completed therapy within one year. About half of those who completed therapy did so after they were released. Compared to patients not detained, these patients were more likely to be lost to follow-up and less likely to complete treatment within one year.

Evaluation, Patient compliance, Tuberculosis, Detention of persons, Detention

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