Ethical Justification in Medical Futility and Advanced Medical Directive from The Islamic Perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Medical futility and advanced medical directive are related issues in end-of-life medical decisions that present challenge to doctors and patients in terminal condition and to doctors and family members of patients who are critically ill in the ICU. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study comprises of literature search and an in-depth interview of experts was carried out to determine the clinical situations in medical futility and the ethical considerations from the Islamic perspective that justify forgoing medical treatment and also the practice of advanced medical directives in the country. Results: In such scenarios, clinical data must be interpreted alongside patient values, as well as the physicians’ ethical commitments. From the Islamic perspective, doctors are the authorised person to diagnose medical futility and forgo medical treatment. Forgoing treatment is permissible as long as it conforms to the maqasid and qawaid al-shariah principles that guide the decision-making process. The practice of advanced medical directive is still at its infancy in this country. From the Islamic perspective, upon considering the maqasid and qawaid al-shariah principles, it should be permissible and its practice should be encouraged as it assists the doctors and the surrogate decision-maker to decide to the withdrawal of treatment. Conclusion: Ethical justification on medical futility conforms to the maqasid and qawaid al-shariah principles and forgoing medical treatment is permissible in Islam. Advanced medical directive assists in the decision-making of forgoing treatment in the presence of utility and thus its practice should be promoted.