Is More, Better in Oncology?

A 44-year-old, divorced mother of two teenagers is diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The oncologist suggests that she undergo a rigorous treatment process that has probably mortality of 25%, limited efficacy and huge cost burden, which her insurance will not cover. She asks for an ethics review when the hospital will not approve the treatment without insurance coverage.

• What information needs to be weighed in order for the patient to make an informed decision?
• Can or should the institution approve the patient’s informed decision if it is not covered by insurance? Why or Why Not?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)