Reeder S, Cleland HJ, Gold M, Tracy LM. Exploring clinicians' decision-making processes about end-of-life care after burns: A qualitative interview study.
Burns 2022;
49:595-606. [PMID:
36709087 DOI:
10.1016/j.burns.2022.12.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Little is known about treatment decision-making experiences and how/why particular attitudes exist amongst specialist burn clinicians when faced with patients with potentially non-survivable burn injuries. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to understand clinicians' decision-making processes regarding end-of-life (EoL) care after a severe and potentially non-survivable burn injury.
METHODS
Eleven clinicians experienced in EoL decision-making were interviewed via telephone or video conferencing in June-August 2021. A thematic analysis was undertaken using a framework approach.
RESULTS
Decision-making about initiating EoL care was described as complex and multifactorial. On occasions when people presented with 'unsurvivable' injuries, decision-making was clear. Most clinicians used a multidisciplinary team approach to initiate EoL; variations existed on which professions were included in the decision-making process. Many clinicians reported using protocols or guidelines that could be personalised to each patient. The use of pathways/protocols might explain why clinicians did not report routine involvement of palliative care clinicians in EoL discussions.
CONCLUSION
The process of EoL decision-making for a patient with a potentially non-survivable burn injury was layered, complex, and tailored. Processes and approaches varied, although most used protocols to guide EoL decisions. Despite the reported complexity of EoL decision-making, palliative care teams were rarely involved or consulted.
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