First, Do No Harm

This is a factual account of a hospital ethics committee at Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. It was organized in 1983 and was the first of its kind. It presents histories of patients who are terminally ill and the events that lead up to these cases being presented to the doctors, nurses, lawyers, social workers, financial analysts, administrators who make up the committee. . It also presents the views of the patients and their families, all of whom have a part in the decision to continue to treat or to allow support to be withdrawn. I feel it represented both sides of all issues: The patient who wants to die and the patient who wants to keep fighting. The families who are present and supportive and the families who avoid helpful show more involvement. Most interesting to me was the behind-the-scenes story of the clinical staff who have differing opinions yet work together for the sake of the patients. show less

Very interesting read for anyone interested in medical ethics.

This is a very realistic book. It reveals the sad truth that doctors are sometimes forced to make decisions that are wrong for the patient just because of the cost of treatment.