My Patient Is 93 and Has Pneumonia. It’s Time to Talk About Her Death

Mrs. S. is 93 years old. She is suffering from severe pneumonia. The unwieldy respirator strapped to her face is the only thing keeping her from lapsing into a coma and dying. Working as a medical registrar at a large hospital involves difficult conversations with patients and families about their options for treatment. In some cases, treatment is available and recovery is realistic. In other cases, recovery is a near impossibility and the cost in dollars and pain is onerous. This can be a difficult balance to consider for many doctors who are trained to prioritize the life of the patient. Their goal is to save a life regardless of cost. While this is an admirable quality, and certainly one we desire in most circumstances, there are occasions where this mentality can be detrimental to both the patient and their family. For Mrs. S., it is time to go. She asks that her family be sent away and the cumbersome ventilator removed; she knows what she wants and she is ready to go.

See My Patient Is 93 and Has Pneumonia. It’s Time to Talk About Her Death, The Guardian, July 6, 2017.