Vitous CA, Shabet C, Ferguson C, Edwards S, Duby A, Suwanabol PA. Family perspectives on end-of-life care after surgery: A qualitative analysis of the veteran affairs bereaved family surveys.
Am J Surg 2024;
233:11-15. [PMID:
38168605 DOI:
10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.12.016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Using open-text responses from the Bereaved Family Survey (BFS), we sought to explore Veteran family experiences on end-of-life care after surgery.
METHODS
We evaluated 936 open-text responses for all decedents who underwent any high-risk surgical procedure across 124 Veterans Affairs facilities between 2010 and 2019. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Respondents expressed a belief in the decedent's unnecessary pain, expressing distrust in the treatment decisions of the care team. Limited communication regarding the severity of disease or risks of surgery caused conflicting and unresolved narratives regarding the cause or timing of death. Respondents described feelings of disempowerment when they were not involved in decision-making and when their wishes were not respected.
CONCLUSIONS
Timely and sensitive conversations, including acknowledging uncertainty in outcomes, may ensure a more positive experience for bereaved families.
Collapse