Palliative patient vulnerability in the context of Bioethical approaches

Abstract

Introduction: Bioethics analysis of vulnerability in medical activity is often reported to the autonomy of the patient. The understanding of vulnerability in the palliative act submits a broader investigation to understand its manifestation, being dependent on the physical, mental and social peculiarities of the palliative patient. Purpose: Analysis of vulnerable components in palliative patient medication. Material and methods: Criteria for the selection of scientific papers: 1.Studies conceptually addressing the subject of vulnerability in paliative care. 2.Empirical research reflecting the manifestation of vulnerability both mental and social of the palliative patient. 3.Articles addressing bioethical topics in the context of palliative care from the perspective of vulnerability. Results: Communicative vulnerability •Unbearable pain •Depression •Becoming introvert •Fear •etc/ Decisional vulnerability •Infirmity •Lack of powers •Loss of confidence in one’s own forces •etc. Social vulnerability •Sense of burden •Loneliness •Change of family relationships at the same time as the advancement of the disease •etc. Institutional vulnerability •Lack of qualified medical workers •Lack of spaces •Dependence on local and central authorities •etc. Conclusions: Bioethical approaches in the context of the vulnerability of the palliative patient involve interdisciplinary care of the palliative patient.