Challenges and Proposed Improvements in Advance Care Planning: Insights from a Real Clinical Case of a Terminally Ill Patient in Korea
10.35301/ksme.2025.28.1.41
- Author:
Hongyeul LEE
1
Author Information
1. Associated Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Publication Type:Research article
- From:
Korean Journal of Medical Ethics
2025;28(1):41-60
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Since the implementation of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision Act, a lack of clear clinical guidelines has made it difficult to address conflicts that arise in the decision-making process concerning life-sustaining treatment. This study examines the current state of advance care planning in Korea through a clinical case concerning a terminally ill cancer patient, identifying the causes of inadequate decision-making and potential areas for improvement. Using the four-topic approach, the analysis reveals that discussions on life-sustaining treatment are often delayed due to the emphasis on diagnosing terminal illnesses, where accurately predicting survival time can be challenging. As a result, decisions regarding life-sustaining treatment are frequently made without a full understanding of the patient’s preferences and values, contradicting the original intent of the Act. This case study illustrates some of the challenges and complexity of clinical decision-making concerning lifesustaining treatment and highlights the urgent need for clearer guidelines to ensure optimal patientcentered care.
