How to Respond Responsibly to Suffering of Others? Rethinking Palliative Care for China

VernacularTitle:如何负责任地回应他人痛苦?——对中国缓和医疗的再思考
Author: Eric L. KRAKAUER ¹
Author Information

1. Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts MA02138, USA;Division of Palliative Care & Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts MA02138, USA;
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Cartesian medical model; overmedicalization; palliative care; good death
From: Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(1):7-11
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: The Cartesian medical model is leading to overmedicalization all over the world. Modern palliative care, derived from a reflection on the Cartesian medical model, aims to relieve the suffering of critically ill patients and their caregivers. It also focuses on the unnecessary harm of medical technology itself. This paper presents some issues from a case and inspires further thinking and profound understanding of China's palliative care by reviewing the history of relieving suffering, the views and shortcomings of the Cartesian medical model, and the application of life-sustaining treatment and good death.