Medical Futility
/ˈmɛdɪkəl fjuːˈtɪlɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal and ethical concept where medical treatment is deemed unlikely to benefit the patient or achieve intended health outcomes, often leading to withholding or withdrawing treatment.
The court ruled that continuing life support constituted medical futility in this case.
Forms
- medical futility
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Medical futility involves complex judgments balancing clinical judgment and patient rights; clear criteria should be established to avoid disputes.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.