There is a very interesting article in the New York Times exploring the notion of 'aggressive' hospitals, with the suggestion that aggressive care, particularly following surgical complications, may lead to improved outcomes.
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| Photo: New York Times |
The American health care system is historically well known for it's aggressive care, much of which has been criticized for it's role in spiraling costs.
I am by no means attempting to debunk some of the studies referenced in the article, however, I must question the thought that aggressive care will guarantee a better outcome. It appears to me that aggressive, life saving interventions may serve best in the event of an acute injury or a post-operative complication. In the event of a chronic, advanced or terminal medical illness, such measures may simply delay the inevitable, cause more suffering, and yes, increase costs.
Having recently lost a family member to a terminal, chronic disease, it was obvious to us that treatment beyond comfort measures would have been futile.
