Revista médica de Chile
-
The Chilean House of Representatives is discussing the bill on "Dignified death and palliative care", which regulates the so-called medical assistance in dying or euthanasia. This paper will critically analyze the different aspects of the bill, particularly concerning four main dimensions, namely, the patient's condition at the time of requesting euthanasia; the doctor-patient relationship and respect for the autonomy of both parties; the idea of medicine involved in it; and the possible therapeutic alternatives to euthanasia. This critical analysis raises the need to discuss in more depth a project that has to do with such important decisions about our lives and that implies a radical change in the way of thinking and practicing medicine.
-
Revista médica de Chile · Jul 2021
[Epidemiology of acute pancreatitis in Chile between 2013 and 2018].
The worldwide incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing. ⋯ The annual incidence of AP is 42.6/100,000 inhabitants, with geographical differences from North to South, which can be associated with the high frequency of biliary tract disease in aboriginal ethnic groups. The age distribution and length hospital stay were stable over time.
-
Revista médica de Chile · Jul 2021
[Opinion about clinical ethics consultation among intensivist physicians].
Clinical ethics consultation services and their methods vary and they are seldom evaluated. Only one formal system of individual clinical ethics consultation has been reported in Chile, with a ten-year registry. ⋯ Clinical ethics consultation provides a positive support for improvements in clinical decision-making and in the quality of patients' care.
-
Revista médica de Chile · Jul 2021
[General and infant mortality trends in Chile from 1909 to 2017].
During the twentieth century, Chile experienced an important reduction in general mortality. ⋯ Public health efforts should be carried out to further reduce socioeconomic and regional gaps in adult and infant mortality in Chile.
-
Revista médica de Chile · Jul 2021
[Physical and emotional sequelae after hospitalization for COVID-19].
Facing a severe life-threatening disease has physical and emotional consequences for patients. ⋯ Patients who survived COVID-19 have a decrease in physical capacity and a significant proportion of depression and anxiety one month after hospital discharge.