A century ago, he says, most people died at home, and the family structure was far more supportive. He also believes today's patients are capable of understanding and accepting the worst. And, given the dynamics of today's society, physicians must be able to continue to offer support to patients who may not have otherwise adequate support systems. The bad news is, the family structure is a disaster. Nobody's feet are held to the fire.
Bad care is the norm, and the public sees it as an individualistic problem.
And the constituency is dead, so they can't complain. We're all responsible. And the public should demand better care. Any doctor that abandons a family at the end is not doing his duty. There are small attempts being made all over the United States.