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Challenges and Proposed Improvements in Advance Care Planning: Insights from a Real Clinical Case of a Terminally Ill Patient in Korea

  • Korean Journal of Medical Ethics
  • Abbr : 의료윤리
  • 2025, 28(1), pp.41~60
  • DOI : 10.35301/ksme.2025.28.1.41
  • Publisher : The Korean Society For Medical Ethics
  • Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > General Medicine
  • Received : February 3, 2025
  • Accepted : February 17, 2025
  • Published : March 31, 2025

Hongyeul Lee ORD ID 1

1인제대학교 부산백병원

Accredited

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 life-sustaining treatment and highlights the urgent need for clearer guidelines to ensure optimal patient-centered care.

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