[Medical ethics and terminal care].

Abstract

Numerous researches have been done on this subject. The Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences as well as the European Council have prepared guidelines that are very clear. However what is lacking is an adequate preparation of the physicians and nursing personnel concerning attitudes. This inadequate preparation is a major reason for the violation of the dying patients rights. Accompanying the dying and his family requires on extensive knowledge of oneself and especially of the patient. It also requires patience, honesty, trust, humility, hope and courage. The mentioned characteristics, described by the American philosopher Milton Mayeroff, are indispensable to the professional who really wants to "care" for the other person. Today, we need to provide specific training in order for young physicians to develop these characteristics.