Q5: In which ethical and clinical terms ought we determine whether, when, and for whom surgical interventions are successful? #EthicsChat

@JournalofEthics The success of a palliative intervention has to be determined by the patient's goals--relief of pain, ability to go home, fewer days in hospital, management of a difficult wound....

@JournalofEthics This is challenging, because it relies on judgment and expertise of the surgeon to weigh the risk-benefit calculus and to prognosticate. It also means there was a conversation within the surgeon-patient relationship where there was a reflection on "what is success"? #EthicsChat

@JournalofEthics In terms of ethical principlism, I think beneficence and nonmaleficence are predominant. Calculating and minimizing acceptable harms.

@JournalofEthics Challenging question as often "success" of alleviating pain or suffering is so individualized. I would love to hear how some clinicians measure success. #EthicsChat