Facing Death (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

Recent questions

• How do families and doctors navigate end-of-life care decisions in modern medicine?

  In modern medicine, patients, families, and doctors often face challenging decisions regarding end-of-life care. The ICU at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City serves as a poignant example, where families must grapple with the choice of whether to remove a loved one from life support. While medical technology can prolong life, the decisions surrounding end-of-life care have become increasingly complex. Factors such as escalating costs of care in the U.S. and the pressure to reduce unnecessary expenditures add further layers of difficulty to these decisions. Communication challenges in the ICU can lead to healthcare proxies making decisions on behalf of patients, highlighting the importance of clear and open dialogue in navigating these sensitive situations.

• What factors contribute to the rising costs of end-of-life care in the United States?

  The escalating costs of end-of-life care in the United States are influenced by various factors. Modern medicine's ability to prolong life through advanced technology plays a significant role in driving up healthcare expenses. The complexity of decisions surrounding end-of-life care, such as the use of life support and ventilators, can lead to prolonged hospital stays and intensive treatments, further adding to the financial burden. Additionally, the pressure to reduce unnecessary expenditures in healthcare has become a growing concern, prompting families, doctors, and policymakers to grapple with the delicate balance between providing quality care and managing costs effectively.

• How do families cope with the difficult decisions surrounding life support for loved ones?

  Families facing decisions about life support for their loved ones often experience emotional turmoil and conflicting perspectives. In cases like that of Diana Reed, a 31-year-old with Scleroderma, families may find themselves divided on whether to remove life support, adding an additional layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. Communication breakdowns in the ICU can further complicate matters, leading to healthcare proxies making decisions on behalf of patients. The Lauraville family's discussions about removing a ventilator for Martha, an 86-year-old with dementia, highlight the emotional toll and difficult choices families must navigate when grappling with end-of-life care decisions.

• What are the key considerations for patients facing complex medical decisions after serious illnesses?

  Patients like Robert Bernardini, who faces decisions about life support after a massive stroke and pneumonia, must navigate a myriad of complex medical decisions. In cases where patients face complications after treatments like bone marrow transplants, such as Albert Alberti, uncertainty about treatment options and survival chances can weigh heavily on their minds. Strong physical condition is often crucial for successful treatments like chemotherapy, and patients may need to explore all available options with their doctors. Despite low survival chances, patients like Albert Alberti may exhibit a strong determination to keep fighting, underscoring the resilience and courage required to navigate the challenges of serious illnesses and hospitalizations.

• How do medical teams and families handle changing treatment preferences and deteriorating conditions in patients?

  Medical teams and families often grapple with changing treatment preferences and deteriorating conditions in patients facing serious illnesses. Patients like Norman and John may reach a point where decisions about life-sustaining measures or transitioning to comfort care become necessary. The uncertainty and challenges of medical decisions can create emotional strain for both families and healthcare providers, as they navigate the evolving needs and preferences of patients. In cases where patients like Martha require long-term ventilator support, the high cost of caring for chronically critically ill patients can further complicate the decision-making process. Ultimately, open communication, empathy, and collaboration between medical teams and families are essential in providing compassionate care and support during these difficult times.