1
|
Polakova K, Ahmed F, Vlckova K, Brearley SG. Parents' experiences of being involved in medical decision-making for their child with a life-limiting condition: A systematic review with narrative synthesis. Palliat Med 2024; 38:7-24. [PMID: 38053373 PMCID: PMC10798032 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231214414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental involvement in the decision-making processes about medical treatment for children with life-limiting conditions is recognised as good practice. Previous research highlighted factors affecting the decision-making process, but little is known about how parents experience their participation. AIM To explore how parents experience their participation in the process of decision-making about treatment and future care for their children with life-limiting conditions. DESIGN A systematically constructed review using narrative synthesis. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to report the findings. Databases Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched up to December 2023. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (RN CRD42021215863). RESULTS From the initial 2512 citations identified, 28 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. A wide range of medical decisions was identified; stopping general or life-sustaining treatment was most frequent. Narrative synthesis revealed six themes: (1) Temporal aspects affecting the experience with decision-making; (2) Losing control of the situation; (3) Transferring the power to decide to doctors; (4) To be a 'good' parent and protect the child; (5) The emotional state of parents and (6) Sources of support to alleviate the parental experience. CONCLUSIONS Parental experiences with decision-making are complex and multifactorial. Parents' ability to effectively participate in the process is limited, as they are not empowered to do so and the circumstances in which the decisions are taking place are challenging. Healthcare professionals need to support parental involvement in an effective way instead of just formally asking them to participate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Polakova
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Faraz Ahmed
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | - Sarah G Brearley
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lin SC, Chang KL, Huang MC. When and how do healthcare professionals introduce specialist palliative care to the families of children with life-threatening conditions in Taiwan? A qualitative study. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 64:e136-e144. [PMID: 34980527 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialist palliative care (SPC) is often needed to manage complex or refractory problems in children with life-threatening conditions during end-of-life. This study explores the perceptions of healthcare professionals (HPs) to determine the triggers leading to and experiences with introducing SPC among families of children with life-threatening conditions. METHODS A secondary analysis of 13 semi-structured interviews with HPs conducted from September 2019-June 2020 was carried out in a pediatric ward and a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit in Taiwan. A thematic analysis was conducted. Competence Theory was used to guide the research questions and the interpretive framework. FINDINGS Seven nurses, four pediatricians, one psychologist, and one respiratory therapist were interviewed. The need for shared knowledge regarding wishes for care and end-of-life decision-making were found to be the indicators for introducing SPC, along with having a fear of causing harm to the family-professional relationship and the patient. HPs value harmony in the form of clarifying misconceptions, building trust, and holding the moral bottom line. The theme of 'seeking the competent self' encompasses the values and expectations related to improving skills and creating a sense of fulfillment as HPs achieve good quality care. DISCUSSION Discussions about SPC facilitate better communication and decision-making. Careful attention should be paid to the needs related to clarifying misconceptions and protecting the child's right to life when SPC is suggested. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE Communication, empathy, and conflict resolution training may be helpful with developing HP competencies related to introducing SPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chun Lin
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Kai-Ling Chang
- Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Chih Huang
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, National Tainan Junior College of Nursing, Tainan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
End-of-life decision making in critical illness: Perspectives of Asian parents. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:233-242. [PMID: 33942708 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521000493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore parents' perspectives regarding end-of-life (EOL) decisions, factors and possible barriers that influence the EOL decision making process, and to understand parental preferences for communication about EOL care in an Asian population. METHOD A prospective questionnaire cohort study conducted in a university-based tertiary care hospital. 30 parents of children who had been admitted to general pediatric wards for acute ailments and/or were being followed up in general pediatric outpatient clinics after inpatient admissions or emergency department visits completed 30 interviewer-administered questionnaires. With the first 10 completed questionnaires, we sought feedback on the design of the four case vignettes and related questions. Responses to specific questions related to each case vignette were rated on a Likert scale. RESULTS The majority of parents were able to comprehend and identify with the issues in the case vignettes, which allowed them to respond appropriately. Parents tended to avoid active withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment. The top three priorities for parents making EOL decisions for their children were: the chance of improvement, the presence of pain or discomfort, and information provided by healthcare staff. Parents reported that they would prefer to know immediately if their child is at risk of dying; they also preferred to get as much information as possible from the healthcare team and thought that meeting with the healthcare team before making EOL decisions was pivotal. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Parents place highest priorities on their child's likelihood of improvement, perception of their child's pain, and information provided by healthcare professionals in making EOL decisions.
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin SC, Huang MC. Consulting with a folk deity before making decisions: spiritual practices in parents facing end-of-life decisions for their child on life support with brain stem dysfunction. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 15:1756686. [PMID: 32340564 PMCID: PMC7241511 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2020.1756686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents with brain stem dysfunction may undergo many invasive treatments, and parents are often faced with making the decision to withdraw treatment. However, in the face of their child’s death, the spiritual practices of parents dealing with end-of-life decision-making remain under investigated. Purpose This study explores the spiritual practices in parents making end-of-life decisions for adolescents on life support with brain stem dysfunction. Method A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted through in-depth interviews with three parents of two adolescents in Taiwan. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s seven-step protocol. Results Three main themes emerged: (1) faith during decision-making, (2) struggles during decision-making, (3) transformation during decision-making. The findings indicate that “transforming the nature of hope” is the essence of the experience. Conclusion Family-centred care, gaining insight into parental spiritual practices, and developing culturally-appropriate care are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chun Lin
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chih Huang
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Quality of Palliative and End-Of-Life Care in Hong Kong: Perspectives of Healthcare Providers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17145130. [PMID: 32708596 PMCID: PMC7400302 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17145130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: In response to population aging, there is a need for health systems to focus on care for chronic disease, specifically palliative care, while focusing on people-centered care. The objective of this study is to explore the healthcare system enablers and barriers to the provision of quality palliative and end-of-life care from the perspective of healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: Using purposive sampling, fifteen focus group interviews and nine individual interviews involving 72 healthcare providers were conducted. Primary qualitative data were collected between May 2016 and July 2017. All recorded discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed. A thematic framework was developed. Results: The provision of quality palliative and end-of-life care is influenced by the interaction and integration of nine sub-themes under four identified themes: (1) political context; (2) organization setting; (3) support to patients, caregivers, and family members, and (4) healthcare workers and the public. Conclusions: Integration of palliative and end-of-life care is an important pillar of healthcare service to improve quality of life by addressing patients’ values, wishes and preference, and assist their family to handle challenges at the end stage of life. Further improvements to the service framework would be required, specifically in the political framework, multidisciplinary approach, and readiness and competence in healthcare workers and community. These were highlighted in our study as key components in service provision to ensure that patients can receive continuous and integrated care between hospitals and the community as well as dignified care at the end stage of life.
Collapse
|
6
|
Horton DB, Salas J, Wec A, Kohlheim M, Kapadia P, Beukelman T, Boneparth A, Haverkamp K, Mannion ML, Moorthy LN, Ringold S, Rosenthal M. Making Decisions About Stopping Medicines for Well-Controlled Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Mixed-Methods Study of Patients and Caregivers. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2019; 73:374-385. [PMID: 31880862 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Improved treatments for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have increased remission rates. We conducted this study to investigate how patients and caregivers make decisions about stopping medications when JIA is inactive. METHODS We performed a mixed-methods study of caregivers and patients affected by JIA, recruited through social media and flyers, and selected by purposive sampling. Participants discussed their experiences with JIA, medications, and decision-making through recorded telephone interviews. Of 44 interviewees, 20 were patients (50% ages <18 years), and 24 were caregivers (50% caring for children ages ≤10 years). We evaluated characteristics associated with high levels of reported concerns about JIA or medicines using Fisher's exact testing. RESULTS Decisions about stopping medicines were informed by competing risks between disease activity and treatment. Participants who expressed more concerns about JIA were more likely to report disease-related complications (P = 0.002) and more motivated to continue treatment. However, participants expressing more concern about medicines were more likely to report treatment-related complications (P = 0.04) and felt more compelled to stop treatment. Additionally, participants considered how JIA or treatments facilitated or interfered with their sense of normalcy and safety, expressed feelings of guilt and regret about previous or potential adverse events, and reflected on uncertainty and unpredictability of future harms. Decision-making was also informed by trust in rheumatologists and other information sources (e.g., family and online support groups). CONCLUSION When deciding whether to stop medicines whenever JIA is inactive, patients and caregivers weigh competing risks between disease activity and treatment. Based on our results, we suggest specific approaches for clinicians to perform shared decision-making regarding stopping medicines for JIA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Horton
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | | | | | - Melanie Kohlheim
- Pediatric Rheumatology Care and Outcomes Improvement Network, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Pooja Kapadia
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | | | | | - Ky Haverkamp
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | | | - L Nandini Moorthy
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | - Marsha Rosenthal
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Y, Feng T, Jiang W. How Competitive Orientation Influences Unethical Decision-making in Clinical Practices? Asian Nurs Res (Korean Soc Nurs Sci) 2018; 12:182-189. [PMID: 30056142 DOI: 10.1016/j.anr.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to investigate how competitive orientation influences unethical decision-making (UDM) through relationship conflict and the moderating effect of hostile attribution bias. METHODS This study was conducted using a self-report questionnaire. Data were collected from 727 employees in Chinese hospitals. For each variable, measures were adopted or adapted from existing literature. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis. Common method variance was established using Harman's single-factor test. RESULTS Competitive orientation is significantly and positively associated with relationship conflict (β = .36, p < .001) and UDM (β = .35, p < .001). Relationship conflict is significantly and positively associated with UDM (β = .51, p < .001). Relationship conflict partially mediates the relationship between competitive orientation and UDM. In addition, hostile attribution bias strengthens the positive relationship between competitive orientation and UDM through relationship conflict. CONCLUSION This study provides some implications for hospital employees to deal with ethical dilemmas in decision-making. Hospital employees including nurses, physicians, and other health-care professionals should raise awareness of competitive orientation and adopt a cooperative approach to human relations. Effective training programs should be utilized to direct all hospital employees to depress hostile attribution bias whenever possible to everything in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yali Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Weihai, China
| | - Taiwen Feng
- School of Economics and Management, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai, China
| | - Wenbo Jiang
- School of Management, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The Understanding of Death in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients in China: An Initial Study. Camb Q Healthc Ethics 2018; 27:421-430. [DOI: 10.1017/s0963180117000809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Patient’s needs and rights are the key to delivering state-of-the-art modern nursing care. It is especially challenging to provide proper nursing care for patients who are reaching the end of life (EOL). In Chinese culture nursing practice, the perception and expectations of these EOL patients are not well known. This article explores the feelings and wishes of 16 terminally ill Chinese cancer patients who are going through the dying process. An open-ended questionnaire with eight items was used to interview 16 terminally ill Chinese cancer patients, and was then analyzed by a combined approach employing grounded theory and interpretive phenomenological analysis. Four dimensions were explored: first, patient’s attitudes towards death, such as accepting the fact calmly, striving to survive, and the desire for control; second, the care desired during the dying process, including avoiding excessive treatment and dying with dignity; third, the degree of the patient’s acceptance of death; and fourth, the consequences of death. This cognitive study offers a fundamental understanding of perceptions of death of terminally ill cancer patients from the Chinese culture. Their attitude toward death was complex. They did not prefer aggressive treatment and most of them had given a great deal of thought to their death.
Collapse
|
9
|
Butler AE, Hall H, Copnell B. Bereaved parents' experiences of the police in the paediatric intensive care unit. Aust Crit Care 2018; 32:40-45. [PMID: 29571596 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A child's death in the intensive care unit is often sudden and unexpected, requiring the involvement of the state coroner to investigate both the cause and the circumstances surrounding the death. This process often involves the police, who arrive in intensive care to identify the body and collect statements from the parents. At present, very little is known about parents' experiences of this process. OBJECTIVES To explore bereaved parents' experiences of police presence in intensive care, as part of routine coronial investigations. The findings arose from a larger study on bereaved parents' experiences of the death of a child in the intensive care unit. METHODS Secondary analysis of incidental data from a larger grounded theory study. Nine bereaved parents from two paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) mentioned police presence in the PICU during their original audio-recorded, semistructured interviews. These data were extracted, and thematic analysis techniques were used to identify key themes. RESULTS Three main concepts were identified with the parents' experiences: (i) timing of police interviews; (ii) the impacts of police presence; and (iii) the demeanour of the officers. Overall, the parents' experiences of police presence were negative. They felt that police arrived too soon after their child's death and took too long taking their statements, hindering their ability to say goodbye. The presence of police officers also made parents feel as though they were being accused of involvement in their child's death. Finally, several participants also experienced inappropriate or unsympathetic attitudes from the police officers attending their child's death. CONCLUSIONS Findings from our study indicate that parents' experiences of police presence in the PICU as part of a coronial investigation may be negative, leaving lasting impressions on their experiences of their child's death. These findings provide areas for improvements in care delivery and the treatment of newly bereaved parents during the early phases of a coronial investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh E Butler
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Adult and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Helen Hall
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Beverley Copnell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Park SY, Ju HO, Lee GE. Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment from Children: Experiences of Nurses Caring for the Children. CHILD HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.4094/chnr.2017.23.3.364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
|
11
|
Peng NH, Lee CH, Lee MC, Huang LC, Chang YC, DeSwarte-Wallace J. Effectiveness of Pediatric Palliative Care Education on Pediatric Clinicians. West J Nurs Res 2016; 39:1624-1638. [DOI: 10.1177/0193945916680615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A lack of knowledge and skills in pediatric palliative care may create hesitation in caring for children with serious life-threatening conditions and their families. Our research examined the effectiveness of pediatric palliative care training for pediatric clinicians. A pretest–posttest study provided educational training in pediatric palliative care to pediatric clinicians and used a pretest and a posttest to assess outcomes. Fifty pediatric clinicians attended this research with 83.3% response rate. After training, participants reported significantly increased confidence in a variety of areas, including providing emotional support to clinicians, personal knowledge, skills, and communication; ethical and legal concerns; and providing emotional support to dying children and their families. Results showed a significant main effect of training on confidence levels ( p < .000). This suggests that education can effectively boost pediatric clinicians’ confidence regarding providing pediatric palliative care and therefore should regularly be provided to clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niang-Huei Peng
- College of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Min-Chun Lee
- Buddhist Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chi Huang
- College of Nursing, China Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Cune Chang
- Department of Mathematics, Tmkang University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Joetta DeSwarte-Wallace
- Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|