[Ethical Issues in Collaborative Decision-Making for Intractable Neurological Diseases: Focusing on Misunderstandings and Confusion regarding Advance Care Planning].

Abstract

Medical professionals should play the role of a guide runner in collaborative decision-making. If the guide runner is too fast compared to the athlete, the athlete is disqualified. If he is too slow, he is nothing but a nuisance. The guide runner provides firm guidance to the athlete so that he does not go off course; however, as the athlete is ultimately the main character, the guide runner must respect the athlete's autonomy. Doctors and other medical professionals should guide patients so that they do not "go off course," but at the same time, support the patient, who is the main character, so that they can walk on their own two feet.