In medicine, decisions are made on a daily basis about the provision, withholding or withdrawing of treatments, many of which could prolong life. Treatments which could provide a therapeutic benefit are not inevitably given but are weighed according to a number of factors, such as the patient’s wishes, the treatment’s invasiveness, side effects, limits of efficacy and the resources available. In relation to many conditions, a body of accepted practice has been building about the criteria for treatment and non-treatment decisions. Nevertheless, the BMA is concerned that comprehensive guidance outlining the criteria and steps to be followed in making these decisions, particularly where the decision involves assessing the best interests of.
