Citation

den Hollander D. Burns 2013; 39(5): 851-855.

Affiliation

Burns Unit, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, South Africa. Electronic address: daanhol@ialch.co.za.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.burns.2013.02.001

PMID

23523220

Abstract

Since its inception in the 1980s 'futility' has been a controversial concept. The history of this concept, its definition and application to burns care are discussed from the perspective of a burn surgeon. Although introduced as an objective (value-free) criterion, futility proves impossible to objectivate and judgements about the value of human life always play a role. The roles of the patient, the doctor, the 'politician' and society at large in futility-decisions are discussed.

Language: en