In whose interests? The best interests principle under ethical scrutiny

摘要: Abstract This paper critically examines the best interests principle and its role in making decisions about intensive care treatment. In current practice is sometimes relied upon to guide decision circumstances when patient incompetent, although it intrinsically linked inconsistent assumptions what meant by quality of life. situation means that there potential moral errors will be made may result an unwanted extension life for some individuals or premature death others. It difficult justify such on ethical grounds. A greater understanding principle, consequently concept life, needed order ensure ethically defensible. argued ideal theory provides appropriate framework decisions, process ought to, whenever possible, involve patient's close family.