The cost of refusing treatment and equality of outcome

J Med Ethics. 1998 Aug;24(4):231-6. doi: 10.1136/jme.24.4.231.

Abstract

Patients have a right to refuse medical treatment. But what should happen after a patient has refused recommended treatment? In many cases, patients receive alternative forms of treatment. These forms of care may be less cost-effective. Does respect for autonomy extend to providing these alternatives? How for does justice constrain autonomy? I begin by providing three arguments that such alternatives should not be offered to those who refuse treatment. I argue that the best argument which refusers can appeal to is based on the egalitarian principle of equality of outcome. However, this principle does not ultimately support a right to less cost-effective alternatives. I focus on Jehovah's Witnesses refusing blood and requesting alternative treatments. However, the point applies to many patients who refuse cost-effective medical care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Blood Transfusion / economics
  • Christianity
  • Complementary Therapies
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Erythropoietin / economics
  • Ethical Theory
  • Ethics, Medical*
  • Health Care Costs / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Health Care Costs / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Jehovah's Witnesses*
  • Patient Advocacy* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Patient Selection*
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Resource Allocation*
  • Social Justice
  • Social Values
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Treatment Refusal* / legislation & jurisprudence

Substances

  • Erythropoietin