You expect an answer from a family doctor in a minute or less.
Some of the segments of the paper produced by the college that speak to dignity have also been covered by my colleagues from the Alzheimer Society in terms of the slippery slope that we are on, and yet, at the same time, we need to stand up and be counted and listen to what Canadians have told us.
I don't have magic recommendations other than to suggest that there ought to be clarity around the process and clarity around what is expected of physicians. I've already expressed my concerns around referral to a court. I would suggest that the concept of consultation by two physicians is important. The process of a request that is first expressed but must be expressed verbally within a certain period of time is also important in making sure a rash decision is not being made. During the time between the first request and the second request, including what happens before, really good consideration between the team that is looking after that patient and the patient himself or herself needs to take place to make sure there is good consideration of the options and everything that is described in the paper and of what I've said. However, once that second verbal request is made and a written request follows, we must ensure that not too much time elapses between meeting the request and providing the required care in a caring and compassionate manner.
I think clarity around what is expected of the profession, clarity of the documentation, and safeguards around the process so that there are two requests, including one verbal one, are all important.