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Colquhoun-Flannery E, Goodwin D, Walshe C. How clinicians recognise people who are dying: An integrative review. Int J Nurs Stud 2024; 151:104666. [PMID: 38134558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104666] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely recognition of dying is important for high quality end-of-life care however, little is known about how clinicians recognise dying. Late recognition is common and can lead to futile treatment that can prolong or increase suffering and prevent a change in the focus of care. AIM To explore how clinicians caring for dying people recognise that they are in the last days or hours of life, as well as the factors that influence the recognition of dying. DESIGN A systematically constructed integrative review of the literature. METHODS Medline, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycInfo and Allied and Complementary Medicine were searched in July 2022. Papers were included if they were original research, discussed how clinicians recognise dying, available in English language and published in 2012 or later. A constant comparison approach was applied to the analysis and synthesis of the literature. RESULTS 24 papers met the inclusion criteria. There were 3 main categories identified: 'Clues and signals' refers to prompts and signs that lead a clinician to believe a person is dying, incorporating the sub-categories 'knowing the patient over time', and 'intuition and experience'. 'Recognition by others' is where clinicians come to recognise someone is dying through others. This can be through a change in the context of care such as a tool or care plan or by communication with the team. 'Culture, system and practice' refers to the cultural beliefs of a setting that influences awareness of dying and denial of death as a possibility and avoidance of naming death and dying directly. System and practice of the setting also impact on recognition of dying. This involves work pace and intensity, shift systems and timing of senior reviews of patients. Uncertainty and its impact on recognition of dying are evident throughout the findings of this review. The seeking of certainty and the absence of the possibility of dying contributes to late recognition of dying. DISCUSSION Recognition of dying is a complex process that occurs over time, involving a combination of intuition and gathering of information, that is influenced by contextual factors. A culture where dying is not openly acknowledged or even named explicitly contributes to late recognition of dying. A shared language and consistent terminology for explicitly naming dying are needed. Uncertainty is intrinsic to the recognition of dying and therefore a shift to recognising the possibility of dying rather than seeking certainty is needed. REGISTRATION (PROSPERO) CRD42022360900. Registered September 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Colquhoun-Flannery
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Dawn Goodwin
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Catherine Walshe
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
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Felber SJ, Guffi T, Brem BG, Schmitz FM, Schnabel KP, Guttormsen Schär S, Eychmüller S, Zambrano SC. Talking about dying and death: Essentials of communicating about approaching death from the perspective of major stakeholders. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37927127 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although caring for dying patients and their family caregivers (FC) is integral to patient care, training in communication about approaching death is almost inexistent in medical and nursing curricula. Consequently, many health professionals have insufficient knowledge about conducting these conversations. In order to gain a broader insight into essential aspects of this communication from different perspectives, we conducted focus groups with key stakeholders. METHODS Medical specialists, nurses, medical students, bereaved FC and patient representatives participated in five focus groups (n = 30). Following a focus group schedule, we elicited relevant aspects of communication about approaching death, associated emotions, and appropriate communication frameworks. We analyzed data thematically. RESULTS Four main themes were central to conversations about approaching death: (1) embracing care within medical expertise, (2) preparing the conversation while remaining open to the unexpected, (3) recognizing and reflecting on own emotions and reactions, and (4) establishing a meaningful connection with others. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Communicating about approaching death with dying patients and their FC can be complex and challenging at a professional and personal level. With the recognition of the dying phase, a process is initiated for which health professionals need solid clinical knowledge about but also effective communication skills, constant self-reflection and self-care strategies. Comprehensive training and supervision while dealing with the challenges of communicating approaching death to dying patients and their FC are key, particularly for trainees, less experienced physicians and nurses. The essential components identified in this study can help health professionals to master these conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle J Felber
- University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Guffi
- University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Beate G Brem
- Institute for Medical Education (IML), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Felix M Schmitz
- Institute for Medical Education (IML), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai P Schnabel
- Institute for Medical Education (IML), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Steffen Eychmüller
- University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sofia C Zambrano
- Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Waller A, Bryant J, Bowman A, White BP, Willmott L, Pickles R, Hullick C, Price E, Knight A, Ryall MA, Clapham M, Sanson-Fisher R. Junior medical doctors' decision making when using advance care directives to guide treatment for people with dementia: a cross-sectional vignette study. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:73. [PMID: 35836232 PMCID: PMC9284793 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00811-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Junior medical doctors have a key role in discussions and decisions about treatment and end-of-life care for people with dementia in hospital. Little is known about junior doctors’ decision-making processes when treating people with dementia who have advance care directives (ACDs), or the factors that influence their decisions. To describe among junior doctors in relation to two hypothetical vignettes involving patients with dementia: (1) their legal compliance and decision-making process related to treatment decisions; (2) the factors influencing their clinical decision-making; and (3) the factors associated with accurate responses to one hypothetical vignette.
Method A cross-sectional survey of junior doctors, including trainees, interns, registrars and residents, on clinical rotation in five public hospitals located in one Australian state. The anonymous, investigator-developed survey was conducted between August 2018 and June 2019. Two hypothetical vignettes describing patients with dementia presenting to hospital with an ACD and either: (1) bacterial pneumonia; or (2) suspected stroke were presented in the survey. Participants were asked to indicate whether they would commence treatment, given the ACD instructions described in each vignette. Results Overall, 116 junior doctors responded (35% consent rate). In Vignette 1, 58% of respondents (n = 67/116) selected the legally compliant option (i.e. not commence treatment). Participants who chose the legally compliant option perceived ‘following patient wishes’ (n = 32/67; 48%) and ‘legal requirements to follow ACDs’ (n = 32/67; 48%) as equally important reasons for complying with the ACD. The most common reason for not selecting the legally compliant option in Vignette 1 was the ‘ACD is relevant in my decision-making process, but other factors are more relevant’ (n = 14/37; 38%). In Vignette 2, 72% of respondents (n = 83/116) indicated they would commence treatment (i.e. not follow the ACD) and 18% (n = 21/116) selected they would not commence treatment. (i.e. follow the ACD). Similar reasons influenced participant decision-making in Vignette 2, a less legally certain scenario. Conclusions There are critical gaps in junior doctors’ compliance with the law as it relates to the implementation of ACDs. Despite there being differences in relation to the legal answer and its certainty, clinical and ethical factors guided decision-making over and above the law in both vignettes. More education and training to guide junior doctors’ clinical decision-making and ensure compliance with the law is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Waller
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. .,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jamie Bryant
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison Bowman
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben P White
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lindy Willmott
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert Pickles
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolyn Hullick
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Price
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Knight
- Manning Education Centre, Department of Rural Health, University of Newcastle, 69a High St, Taree, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary-Ann Ryall
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Central Coast Clinical School, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathew Clapham
- Clinical Research Design and Statistical Services, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Rob Sanson-Fisher
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Bruun A, Oostendorp L, Bloch S, White N, Mitchinson L, Sisk AR, Stone P. Prognostic decision-making about imminent death within multidisciplinary teams: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057194. [PMID: 35383077 PMCID: PMC8984043 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarise evidence on how multidisciplinary team (MDTs) make decisions about identification of imminently dying patients. DESIGN Scoping review. SETTING Any clinical setting providing care for imminently dying patients, excluding studies conducted solely in acute care settings. DATA SOURCES The databases AMED, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2021.Included studies presented original study data written in English and reported on the process or content of MDT discussions about identifying imminently dying adult patients. RESULTS 40 studies were included in the review. Studies were primarily conducted using interviews and qualitative analysis of themes.MDT members involved in decision-making were usually doctors and nurses. Some decisions focused on professionals recognising that patients were dying, other decisions focused on initiating specific end-of-life care pathways or clarifying care goals. Most decisions provided evidence for a partial collaborative approach, with information-sharing being more common than joint decision-making. Issues with decision-making included disagreement between staff members and the fact that doctors were often regarded as final or sole decision-makers. CONCLUSIONS Prognostic decision-making was often not the main focus of included studies. Based on review findings, research explicitly focusing on MDT prognostication by analysing team discussions is needed. The role of allied and other types of healthcare professionals in prognostication needs further investigation as well. A focus on specialist palliative care settings is also necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bruun
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, UK
| | - Linda Oostendorp
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, UK
| | - Steven Bloch
- Department of Language and Cognition, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, UCL, London, UK
| | - Nicola White
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, UK
| | - Lucy Mitchinson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, UK
| | - Ali-Rose Sisk
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, UK
| | - Patrick Stone
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, UK
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Ke LS, Hu WY, Dai YT, Chen CY. The Differences and Perspectives Between Elderly Individuals and Their Surrogates Regarding End-of-Life Care: A Mixed Methods Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2022; 39:1061-1070. [PMID: 35139645 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211052853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Family members often take the place of decision-making for elderly individuals. Previous studies showed that family members could not predict elderly individuals' thoughts about end-of-life care. Objectives: The aims are to understand the differences and perspectives between elderly individuals and surrogates regarding end-of-life care. Design: A mixed methods study comprising a cross-sectional survey and field notes analysis. Setting: Two geriatric wards in a veterans hospital located in northern Taiwan. Subjects: Fifty-five pairs of elderly individuals and their surrogates. Measurements: Life support preferences questionnaire and field notes. Results: The quantitative data showed that the elderly individuals and their surrogates had proper consistency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and surgery. However, their consistency was poor in antibiotics and nasogastric tube feeding. Four themes were identified in qualitative data: recognizing old age, struggling with hope and peace, worries and concerns, and control of life. Recognizing old age for both elderly individuals and their surrogates was critical. Elderly individuals and their surrogates may seek a ray of hope among aggressive treatments and struggle with hope and peace. A lot of worries and concerns were mentioned, including contextual concerns. Elderly individuals need to depend on their ability to control their life. Conclusions: The study highlights elderly individuals' and their surrogates' considerations for antibiotics and nasogastric tube feeding. Furthermore, elderly individuals expressed that it is different for making decisions for themselves or others; thus, future studies can further explore whether elderly individuals allow their surrogates leeway from their wishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shan Ke
- School of Nursing, 38028National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, 46615Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yu Hu
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, 33561National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, 38006National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tzu Dai
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, 33561National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Chen
- College of Medicine, 33561National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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