Survey
Rewriting the Final Chapter of Life
When is it time to say goodbye to loved ones? Taiwan has grappled with the question at great expense, resulting in considerable medical futility in end-of-life care.
Survey
Survey of Taiwan's Critical Care Specialists
Why do terminally ill, dying patients receive futile medical treatment that often prolongs their suffering? CommonWealth Magazine and the non-profit 393.citizen.com surveyed Taiwan's critical care specialists to get the answer.
Survey
Attitudes on Life and Medical Care Survey
A CommonWealth national survey on attitudes toward end-of-life medical treatment lays bare the struggle between choosing a good way to die for oneself on the one hand and being unable to let go of family members on the other.
Politics & Society
Legislator Tien Chiu-chin
Few trials in life are more difficult than saying goodbye to a loved one. Oftentimes a prolonged illness devoid of hope for a turnaround is harder on the living than the dying, and when nature gains the upper hand, not knowing when to let go only results in lasting regret.
Politics & Society
In Japan, the term "shukatsu" – preparing for the end of life - has become a catch phrase among the elderly. In Europe and North America, "living wills" or "advance directives" are widely discussed.
Politics & Society
Confessions of a physician
A first-hand account from a doctor of how futile medical treatment can actually occur.