Tension Exists Between Physicians and Patients, Particularly at the End of Life

This Boston Globe article addresses the tensions that can develop between physicians, their patients, and their patients' families. These conflicts can be especially daunting when treating a patient with a serious illness or at the end-of-life. The article points to a growing conflict as the nature of the doctor-patient relationship evolves.

Samira K. Beckwith, LCSW, CHE, looks at these conflicts (PDF), as well as familial disagreements in general, for HFA's book, Living With Grief: Ethical Dilemmas and End-of-Life Care. She also discusses the role of hospice in resolving these conflicts.