General
medical futility
What does medical futility mean?
The concept, and bedside shorthand, that further intervention cannot achieve a meaningful outcome for the patient.
"The consultant raised medical futility with the family."
Origin
Formal ethics term used colloquially at the bedside.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'medical futility'?
The idea that further treatment cannot achieve a meaningful outcome for the patient, so continuing it offers no realistic benefit.
Is 'medical futility' a slang term?
No — it's a formal ethics term, though it's also used as bedside shorthand when discussing whether to continue treatment.
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