Is a determination of medical futility ethical?

Medical futility is a timely topic and one fraught with ethical implications. Medical futility is a term used to describe medical interventions that are expected to result in little or no benefit to a patient. This Editorial examines some considerations and applications of medical futility to a specific patient or treatment, the ramifications of the use of the term futility, and its effects on physician-patient communication and the role of the health care administrator. Invoking medical futility is fraught with areas of vulnerability and implications in ethical decision making. Of concern is whether the treatment will cause more harm than good (nonmaleficence), whether it respects patients' goals and desires (autonomy), and whether the interests of patients, society, and the organization are served (justice).