Autonomy for Burned Patients When Survival Is Unprecedented

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Abstract
Altered states of consciousness often exclude the seriously burned patient from decision making in his own case. During the first few hours of hospitalization, however, even the most severely burned patient is usually alert and mentally competent. When burns are so severe that survival is unprecedented, we use an aggressive approach to decision making to preserve patient autonomy. While still lucid, and with sufficient information, the patient is asked if he wishes to choose between a full therapeutic regimen or ordinary care, reassured that with either choice, the burn team will provide the constant presence of human caring and full use of its professional skills. This approach has not changed the mortality rate of such patients, but has increased both the self-determination that they exercise and the empathy that they receive. (N Engl J Med 297:308–311, 1977)

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