IX 45_ CODE OF MEDICAL DEONTOLOGY - END OF LIFE MEDICAL CARE Article 38.1 A doctor has the duty to try to cure or improve the patient whenever possible. Once no longer possible, the obligation to apply the appropriate measures to ensure the patient’s greatest possible well-being and dignity remains, even when a shortening of life may result. Article 38.2 A doctor should not undertake or continue diagnostic or therapeutic actions that have no hope of benefit, or are futile for the patient. They must withdraw, adjust, or not start a treatment according to the prognosis. A doctor will take into account a patient’s explicit wish or advanced directive to reject said treatment to prolong their life. Article 38.3 When the patient's clinical situation does not allow them to make decisions, the doctor must respect prior instructions or advanced directives and, if they do not exist, the opinion of the patient expressed and known in advance and that expressed by his representatives. 9
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