Wit: Autonomy While Dying and Patient-Centered Care
摘要
The film Wit depicts the dehumanizing nature of a medical system where paternalistic approaches prevail. Dr. Vivian Bearing, an English literature professor, is diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is admitted to the hospital to receive aggressive, experimental chemotherapy. There, she is confronted with an oncologist and his fellow who lack communication skills; their sole interest is research, counting on Professor Bearing’s resolve to complete all the chemotherapy cycles. In contrast, Professor Bearing finds comfort in Susie, the nurse, who adopts a patient-centered approach. The film stresses the importance of having professionals who are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also impart a caring attitude.