Dorfman N, Snellman L, Kerley Y, Kostick-Quenet K, Lazaro-Munoz G, Storch EA, Blumenthal-Barby J. Hope and Optimism in Pediatric Deep Brain Stimulation: Key Stakeholder Perspectives.
NEUROETHICS-NETH 2023;
16:17. [PMID:
37905206 PMCID:
PMC10615366 DOI:
10.1007/s12152-023-09524-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Introduction
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is utilized to treat pediatric refractory dystonia and its use in pediatric patients is expected to grow. One important question concerns the impact of hope and unrealistic optimism on decision-making, especially in "last resort" intervention scenarios such as DBS for refractory conditions.
Objective
This study examined stakeholder experiences and perspectives on hope and unrealistic optimism in the context of decision-making about DBS for childhood dystonia and provides insights for clinicians seeking to implement effective communication strategies.
Materials and Methods
Semi-structured interviews with clinicians (n = 29) and caregivers (n = 44) were conducted, transcribed, and coded.
Results
Using thematic content analysis, four major themes from clinician interviews and five major themes from caregiver interviews related to hopes and expectations were identified. Clinicians expressed concerns about caregiver false hopes (86%, 25/29) and desperation (68.9%, 20/29) in light of DBS being a last resort. As a result, 68.9% of clinicians (20/29) expressed that they intentionally tried to lower caregiver expectations about DBS outcomes. Clinicians also expressed concern that, on the flip side, unrealistic pessimism drives away some patients who might otherwise benefit from DBS (34.5%, 10/29). Caregivers viewed DBS as the last option that they had to try (61.3%, 27/44), and 73% of caregivers (32/44) viewed themselves as having high hopes but reasonable expectations. Fewer than half (43%, 19/44) expressed that they struggled setting outcome expectations due to the uncertainty of DBS, and 50% of post-DBS caregivers (14/28) expressed some negative feelings post treatment due to unmet expectations. 43% of caregivers (19/44) had experiences with clinicians who tried to set low expectations about the potential benefits of DBS.
Conclusion
Thoughtful clinician-stakeholder discussion is needed to ensure realistic outcome expectations.
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