Life and Death on Your Own Terms - Book Review

AORN Journal,  Oct, 2002  by Patricia Nerad

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By L L Basta 2001, 350 pp $26 hardback

Death is a topic that few nurses like to talk about, but the author of this book has done a marvelous job covering this topic from historic beliefs about dying to the modern day technologies that extend life. His primary belief is that patients should be able to die with dignity and make their own choices concerning care.

The author presents numerous case studies emphasizing the importance of a good physician-patient relationship. He cites costs of expensive laboratory tests and prophylactic measures taken by medical personnel to "cure" patients without ascertaining patients' wishes. All nurses have a story of a patient in their career who was subjected to many diagnostic tests only to die, which is what the patient wanted in the first place.

It is through these case studies and their analysis that the author emphasizes the need for a living will. End of life care is an obligation of all health care providers. An advanced care plan, a living will, informed family members, and a physician-patient partnership are the elements of a dignified, quality end of life.

The author explains how to implement these components. Step-by-step instructions are given on how to obtain an advanced directive and living will. He also explains the shortcomings of each document and how to close loopholes. Specific situations that patients should discuss with their physician are outlined, including how to approach the physician if he or she does not want to talk about these ethical decisions.

The author is a practicing cardiologist who wrote this book after being faced with his own mortality during a battle with prostate cancer. In remission since surgery, he understands both the physician's and patient's needs. The book is well written and includes historic facts to clarify society's views of the terminally ill.

This book can be used by medical and laypeople alike in their planning. It does not read like a medical textbook with cold, hard facts. One can feel the author's passion and insight on every page.

This book is available from Prometheus Books, 59 John Glen Dr, Amherst, NY 14228-2197; http ://www.prometheusbooks.com.

PATRICIA NERAD
RN, BS, CNOR
STAFF NURSE
ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL
Los ANGELES

COPYRIGHT 2002 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group