The Behind-the-Scenes of Advance Care Planning in Clinical Practice: A Case Study
10.35301/ksme.2025.28.1.23
- Author:
Wonho CHOI
1
;
Seungmin NAM
Author Information
1. Registerd Nurse, Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Commentary
- From:
Korean Journal of Medical Ethics
2025;28(1):23-28
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
This paper examines the practical challenges of respecting patient autonomy in life-sustaining treatment (LST) decisions through a real clinical case. While Korea’s Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision Act provides a legal framework for withholding and withdrawing LST, its implementation in clinical settings remains complex. This case study illustrates the intricate decision-making dynamics among patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers, highlighting the need for more nuanced ethical deliberation in Advance Care Planning (ACP). The absence of ACP that fully reflects patients’ preferences and values can hinder optimal end-of-life care. This study argues for a more practical approach to balancing patient autonomy and best interests, offering recommendations to enhance ACP integration in clinical practice.
