Year: 2003 Source: British Journal of Community Nursing, v.8, no.10, (October 2003), p.455-457 SIEC No: 20040291

This article explores the issue of patient autonomy in a case study concerning a patient suffering from type 1 diabetes who has refused life-prolonging treatment. The medical staff worries that such a decision amounts to suicide & have considered invoking the Mental Health Act (of Britain) to force treatment. The author cautions that so long as the patient understands the treatment information & the consequences of refusing it, forcing involuntary treatment would be illegal.