Aspecte bioetice în terapia arsurilor

Abstract

Due to the new biomedical technologies, important therapeutic advances have been made in the care of burn victims. Medical systems are engaged in ongoing debates on the financing of health care and the responsibility of health professionals. New treatments and clinical methodologies should be evaluated in the light of bioethical knowledge and practices. In a society that values respect for the person, ethical medical practice must be centered on the individual patient, and the tasks of the medical specialist must be oriented towards the maximum interest of the victim and the protection of his fundamental rights. Patients have the right to autonomy, and consent to treatment should be obtained, with the exception of special circumstances, following a negotiation dialogue with the patient. Withdrawal or withholding of unnecessary and improper medical treatment may be considered to be in the best interest of the patient. Guidelines for the consent of minors, incompetent persons and for research purposes have been established by professional bodies and are defined by the medical legislation. The resources for the care of burn patients are finite, and the reasoning of these resources is an indisputable reality. Most burn victims recover and regain their place in society, however in the case of serious injuries the recovery may not be complete, the treatments can be long lasting and very expensive, and in vulnerable groups such injuries are still associated with high mortality. Therefore, the treatment and care of burn victims fall under the scope of bioethical expertise, which requires the continuous complex approach of all clinical aspects in a bioethical context.