Medical Futility in South Africa

This recent webinar nicely illustrated how medical futility conflicts are navigated differently in South Africa. The discussion referenced two sections of this guidance document from the Health Professions Council of South Africa.  

"When the patient or the family request continued treatment against health advice that considers such treatment to be futile, the patient or the family must be given guidance and advice why such decision was taken and be advised regarding their choice of transferring to another institution where such treatment is available. If this option is refused and the health team considers treatment to be futile, and this is confirmed by independent health practitioner(s), The health practitioner may nevertheless, implement the decision to withhold or withdraw treatment if such is in the best interest of the patient."

"All decisions should be fully and clearly documented in the health records, including the reasons for the decision and the procedure adopted in the decision-making process. Where significant disagreements arise about a patient’s best interests, the health practitioner should seek a clinical and / or ethical review, independent of the health care team. If this fails to resolve the disagreement, they must seek legal advice on whether it is necessary to apply to the court for a ruling."