Therapeutic adequacy: presentation of a hospital protocol

Abstract Therapeutic adequacy is defined as a medical decision shared with patients and family members and that seeks to adjust therapeutic and diagnostic resources appropriate to each care plan. This article aims to present a protocol on therapeutic adequacy implemented in a university hospital. This protocol aims to guide practices of health professionals in the light of the bioethical, legal and clinical principles relevant to each case. It is concluded that the protocol can assist in the decisions to abstain or suspend certain treatment procedures of patients with severe, progressive and irreversible diseases.