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Ethical Issues in Providing End-of-Life Cancer Care for Transitional-Aged Youth

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Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the salient ethical factors that arise in caring for transitional-aged cancer patients at the end of life (EOL). This article reviews significant clinical, ethical, and legal considerations relevant to psychologists working in oncology. Transitional-aged youth (TAY, ages 16–24) with cancer face a number of challenges when navigating treatment options at the EOL. Changes in treatment roadmaps, lapses in effective provider–patient communication, disagreements with parents, and developmental and disease-based changes in capacity all become salient in palliative care. Psychologists should be aware that both physician and patient factors influence the types of treatments proposed as well as the extent of EOL discussions. Psychologists are urged to bear in mind the ethical principles of respect for people’s rights and dignity and nonmaleficence to best aid families and multidisciplinary teams navigate this difficult time and promote quality of life and the patient’s wishes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UCLA Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, 760 Westwood Plaza, UCLA Semel 48-241, Los Angeles, CA, 90024-1759, USA

    Natacha D. Emerson & Brenda Bursch

  2. UCLA Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, 760 Westwood Plaza, UCLA Semel 48-241, Los Angeles, CA, 90024-1759, USA

    Brenda Bursch

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  1. Natacha D. Emerson
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  2. Brenda Bursch
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Correspondence to Natacha D. Emerson.

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Natacha D. Emerson and Brenda Bursch have no conflicts of interest to report.

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Emerson, N.D., Bursch, B. Ethical Issues in Providing End-of-Life Cancer Care for Transitional-Aged Youth. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 28, 781–788 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-021-09764-6

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