Withholding Treatment

Overview

Withholding or withdrawal of a particular treatment or treatments, often (but not necessarily) life-prolonging treatment, from a patient or from a research subject as part of a research protocol. The concept is differentiated from REFUSAL TO TREAT, where the emphasis is on the health professional's or health facility's refusal to treat a patient or group of patients when the patient or the patient's representative requests treatment. Withholding of life-prolonging treatment is usually indexed only with EUTHANASIA, PASSIVE, unless the distinction between withholding and withdrawing treatment, or the issue of withholding palliative rather than curative treatment, is discussed.

This information is general and should not be treated as medical advice. Always speak directly with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about treatment, diagnosis, procedures, medicines or care.

Quick facts about Withholding Treatment

Topic type

Treatment

Category

Therapy

MeSH classification

E02.760.952|N02.421.585.952

Questions to ask about Withholding Treatment

• What outcome should I realistically expect?
• How many appointments or sessions may be needed?
• Are there alternative treatment options?
• What are the possible risks or side effects?
• What follow-up care may be required?

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