You are a pharmacist working at the local hospital. The MDT have been caring for Chung Wang (73) for several weeks. You are in a ward meeting with the consultant, doctors, nurses, and physiotherapist discussing Chung’s case. Chung has suffered three cardiac arrests in the past few weeks and has been discharged to be cared for at home by his family, who obviously love him dearly. The family has been based in the UK for over 50 years. Chung's Western name is Brian.
Today Brian is again experiencing chest pains and has been readmitted for monitoring.
You’ve come to know Brian quite well. You like him and he clearly trusts you and your judgement.
Brian tells you calmly and in strict confidence that he has considered his situation deeply. He says his life has been long and fulfilling and now it is his time to go now. He says he is completely comfortable with his decision and has made his peace with everyone he needs to.
Brian has three sons and a daughter. His close-knit family have consistently made it clear to you and the team that if their father has further arrests then he must be resuscitated. They emphasise that this is a family decision as is appropriate in their original culture.
Brian has now told you twice that if he arrests again, he does not wish to be resuscitated. He wishes to be left alone to begin his 'next journey'.
What should be done? How do you balance individual and family factors as you decide?