Experience assisting an AIDS-infected homosexual patient and his same-sex partner make a do-not-resuscitate decision

• Published in: Hu li za zhi Vol. 59; no. 5; pp. 97 - 102
• Main Authors: Wang, Shu-Jang, Lai, Pei-Yu, Liou, Siao-Ying, Ko, Wen-Chien, Ko, Nai-Ying
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China (Republic : 1949- ) Taiwan Nurses Association 01.10.2012
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - complications; AIDS; Civil unions; Decision Making; Gays & lesbians; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nursing; Palliative care; Resuscitation Orders; Right to die; Sexual Partners - psychology
• ISSN: 0047-262X
• DOI: 10.6224/JN.59.5.97

Family members play an important role in the process of writing advance directives. Homosexual men infected with HIV often wish to authorize their intimate same-sex partner or friends rather than immediate family members to make medical decisions on their behalf. Although same-sex marriage is currently illegal in Taiwan, HIV infected homosexual patients are able to write advance directives appointing their same-sex partner to be their surrogate decision maker for end-of-life medical decisions. This case report describes an experience assisting a homosexual patient with HIV to write his advance directives. The nurse assisted the patient and his partner to make a self-determined decision not to resuscitate. Family conferences held to discuss the patient's decisions regarding resuscitation helped legitimize his partner's primary role in making end-of-life healthcare decisions on his behalf. As an advocate for patient rights, nurses should understand the law as it relates to homosexuality and end-of-life decision