Consideraciones bioéticas en el manejo de la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica : Una aproximación al quehacer fonoaudiológico

Abstract

Introduction. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of de­generative motor neuron disease in adulthood and is considered a terminal disease. For this reason, the actions of the speech therapist must consider respect for basic bioethical principles to guarantee adequate assistance. Objective. To know those bioethical considerations related to the management and study of people with ALS to then provide an approach to speech therapy. Methodology. A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases. Articles published from 2000 to June 2023 were filtered and those that addressed a bioethical component in the population with ALS were selected. Results. Aspects related to the use of informed consent and shared decision-making stood out as essential elements to support people’s autonomy. Conclusion. Proper communication and shared decision-making are key to respect­ing people’s autonomy. In turn, the standardization of procedures through clinical research will contribute to compliance with the bioethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, essential for professional practice.