Ethics in geriatric trauma

Abstract

Ethical principles that underlie contemporary surgical care of the elderly are founded on principles of medicine originating with the Hippocratic Oath: non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice. Caring for the geriatric trauma patient may be particularly challenging as this is a vulnerable and sometimes frail patient population often with limited decision-making capacity. This chapter explores the ethical principles that form the cornerstones of geriatric trauma care, outlines the consent process and determination of decision-making capacity, and discusses the concept of DNR and medical futility.