Is there a "best choice" in this world?
No one can give a definitive answer. The main reason is that "good" is subjective and the definition varies from person to person.
Taking a situation often encountered in the medical profession as an example, individual patients with terminal illness believe that if their illness has reached an irreversible condition, it is the best choice to spend the last time with their family members without pain; there are also some patients I think I shouldn't give up until the last moment, even if the operation is risky, I am still willing to give it a go.
In the end, it is all based on the patient's own decision.
Written by: Dr Chung Kin Lai, Director of Quality and Safety, Hospital Authority
I still remember that when working in a hospital many years ago, a patient who was close to 90 years old had undergone an aortic stent surgery before. Ten years later, after a follow-up examination, it was discovered that there was a leak in the vascular connection site of the operation that year. Although the aneurysm is swollen, there is no immediate danger, but if it bursts, the consequences will be very serious. On the other hand, considering the patient's age is over ninety years old, can his physical condition survive a "stab"?
Patients, family members, and even doctors were very hesitant.
Earlier on, I went to the hospital to communicate with front-line colleagues, and I also talked about the topic of surgical effectiveness monitoring. Some front-line doctors shared that performing high-risk operations is also hoping to help patients as much as possible, but the accompanying high mortality rate can easily cause public misunderstandings. .
But for doctors who are parents of doctors, the mentality of "don't do it, don't go wrong" because of difficulties is absolutely unacceptable. Being stuck in the gap makes a dumb person eating yellow lotus.
Surgery is risky, and the risk depends on a basket of factors. The multiple of the patient's condition, the complexity of the operation, and the patient's age and physical condition are all important factors.
Patients and their family members face serious illnesses, and the doctors’ professional advice is very important to them. It may be reassuring to provide patients with a few more options to directly state the pros and cons.
In the face of terminal illnesses, can palliative treatment services be considered in addition to high-risk surgery?
Palliative treatment services provide appropriate palliative treatment services to patients and their families through an integrated service model including doctors, nurses, medical social workers, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc., with the aim of improving Its quality of life and less pain allow patients to go through the last journey of life more peacefully.
Life is impermanent, and the consequences of choices are good or bad. No one can say with certainty, and there is no criterion for reference.
The best choice is your own choice.
"Hong Kong 01" "01 Medical Clinic" cooperates with the Hospital Authority to publish a column "Garden Tour" written by medical staff every Wednesday.
Xinglin.
"Xinglin" comes from the story of Dong Feng, a famous doctor in the Three Kingdoms period. Later generations praised the medical care with "Xinglin". Four Xinglinzhong from the Hospital Authority led a tour of the Xinglin Grand View Garden. They counted Xinglin people and Xinglin affairs through text, and shared The reason for the little bit of Xie Zhong.
Tuen Mun Hospital’s pilot project provides a palliative care team for children: a short life can lead to a wonderful life [Combined Palliative Treatment.
One] 90-year-old Lung Cancer Weng Kai photo exhibition calmly welcomes his death: always go to [Joint Palliative Treatment.
2] Misunderstood "waiting to die in the ward"
