End of life care: Addressing uncertainty

1. 31. If there is a reasonable degree of uncertainty about whether a particular treatment will provide overall benefit for a patient who lacks capacity to make the decision, the treatment should be started in order to allow a clearer assessment to be made.
2. 32. You must explain clearly to those close to the patient and the healthcare team that the treatment will be monitored and reviewed, and may be withdrawn at a later stage if it proves ineffective or too burdensome for the patient in relation to the benefits. You should explain the basis on which the decision will be made about whether the treatment will continue or be withdrawn.