How to Respond Responsibly to Suffering of Others? Rethinking Palliative Care for China

Abstract

The Cartesian medical model is leading to overmedicalization all over the world. Modern palliative care, derived from a reflection on the Cartesian medical model, aims to relieve the suffering of critically ill patients and their caregivers. It also focuses on the unnecessary harm of medical technology itself. This paper presents some issues from a case and inspires further thinking and profound understanding of China's palliative care by reviewing the history of relieving suffering, the views and shortcomings of the Cartesian medical model, and the application of life-sustaining treatment and good death.

Keywords

• cartesian medical model
• overmedicalization
• palliative care
• good death