The ethical dimensions of terminating treatment

Regardless of patient?s medical condition and level of self-sufficiency, the main objective of healthcare workers is to treat the patient?s ailment, increase his/her level of self-sufficiency and provide comfort in life. In cases where individuals are compelled to continue their lives (partially or completely dependent) to machines become partially or completely dependent on the help of others.In this study it has been observed that individuals compelled to continue their lives dependent on machines tend to refuse help from healthcare workers or their relatives and prefer to die rather than continue living connected to a machine should the problem be incurable.However patients with first degree relatives ask for support until the very end and accept being looked after at home regardless of condition. On the other hand, it has been observed that healthcare workers are at a consensus on the need for legal arrangements for patients with irreversible conditions.As with all mortals humans have a certain life span. The important thing is that he/she spends this period in best conditions possible. Cases where patients wish to end their life because of their condition but relatives insist on life-support to relieve their consciousness remain rather controversial. Priority should be given to the patient having to experience the condition. Legal arrangements should be put in effect that relieves relatives from the burden of their conscience. Here, once again, the main responsibility is with the healthcare worker and their communication between the patient and his/her relatives. Looking from the relatives? perspective the reason for insisting on the continuation of treatment until the very end is mostly rooted in religious beliefs. Good communication and proper guidance could relive the patient from a life they do not want to live whilst consoling relatives from their burden on their conscience as the result of a joint decision taken after thorough contemplation. Good communication between healthcare worker and patient and relatives will help healthcare worker to offer symptomatic treatment that suits dignity and honor of the patient when no other treatment option is available. Patients will know that they will live the remainder of their life without pain and therefore this will curtail the likelihood of being forced to live a life they do not wish to continue. The purpose of this study is to rectify that patients connected to life support units should be able to freely make decisions concerning their lives and that it is completely acceptable for relatives to take this decision should patients be in a condition that prevent them doing so. This study intends to draw attention to the issue of life support units with the aim of helping the development of necessary legal arrangements. Establishing a legal standing for switching off life support units will prevent both doctors and patient relatives facing judicial problems in taking decisions related to the patient?s life.Key words: Health, patient, respiration support, communication, notification, joint decision.