Page 7 - TERMINAL DISCHARGE GUIDELINE FIRST EDITION 2023

Chapter 1
Foreword

decide on what kind of goals would be most desired for their loved one
towards the end of life and among this is the request for a home death.

A request for a home death however, does not mean a request for
“discharge at-own-risk” and by no means suggests that patients are
allowed to be sent home in whatever state they are in on their own devices.

Today, such actions would be deemed inappropriate as it would seem like
an abandonment of the patient. As healthcare professionals, we have a
continuous duty to provide care and support to a patient even towards the

end of life and even when medical interventions to prolong survival are
futile. Withdrawal or withholding medical interventions is indeed
acceptable when they are futile, however, withdrawal of care and support
should never be the case.

I am therefore delighted that the palliative care unit of Hospital Kuala
Lumpur has taken the effort to come up with an official guideline on

terminal discharge which is an important practice to enable patients and
families to fulfil the wish of a home death while ensuring that patients
continue to be comfortable and supported at home.

Dr. Richard Lim Boon Leong
Consultant Palliative Medicine Physician
National Head of Service Palliative Medicine

Ministry of Health
Malaysia

HOSPITAL KUALA LUMPUR 7
TERMINAL DISCHARGE GUIDELINE 2023